Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bazel become well-known worldwide for his sound advice to a wide variety of groups who planned assaults on the North Pole, whether by dogteam, snowmobile, ultra-lite aircraft, skis or on foot. Bazel often joked that he was going to be the first one to reach the North Pole by elephant.
Many major expeditions relied on Bazel for logistical advice and radio support. In the slower winter season, Bazel travelled extensively around the world giving slide shows wherever he went. He was a wonderful ambassador for the North. More than any other person, Bazel put the High Arctic on the international tourism map.
Even though he was very well known throughout the world, Bazel never lost touch with his many beloved friends and neighbours in my constituency and in the North. He involved Inuit in his business and was very happy to take them with him on some of his trips. His old friends, Pijamini from Grise Fiord and my predecessor, Mr. Ludy Pudluk's father, Mr. Kalluk, went with Bazel to Las Vegas and even to India.
Mr. Speaker, Canada and the Northwest Territories has benefitted enormously from Bazel's work in making the North accessible and friendly to all who came to explore. Bazel's efforts produced lasting benefits for the airline, communications and travel industries, and resulted in new facilities and knowledge in the North.
Beyond all this, though, it is the man we will always remember for his humanity, his humour and his joy in living. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.