Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to pay tribute to an individual from the community of Cape Dorset who, unfortunately, was killed last Sunday evening in an accident. Mr. Brian Brown has been a teacher in the Baffin region for over 10 years and made a deep impact on all those who worked with him, especially members of the communities where he served.
Mr. Brown was accidentally killed while returning from a Sunday evening hunting trip. He was following a snow machine that had a loaded gun strapped on to the sled. When the sled hit a bump, the gun discharged, hitting Mr. Brown and killing him instantly. Brian was only 44 years of age and had taught in Igloolik and Kimmiut before going to Cape Dorset as vice-principal and a senior high school teacher at Peter Pitseolak School. He is survived by his wife, Joanne, and his son, Brooke.
Mr. Speaker, Brian was much appreciated in Cape Dorset and will be sorely missed. He loved the North, and one of his greatest pleasures was being out on the land. The school in Cape Dorset is closed while the teachers, students and the community make plans to help themselves and students to deal with this tragedy. There will be a memorial service in Cape Dorset this coming Friday, and the funeral will be in Fogo Island, Newfoundland. This man was considered a friend, Mr. Speaker, and we will all miss this friend who gave so much to others. He will be missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.