Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Although we had bad news today, I have good news today. I would like to give very good news. An outstanding citizen of Grise Fiord is being given a high honour today. Mr. Speaker, I know that there are many people like Peter Flaherty who work selflessly for others out of the goodness of their hearts and without concern about being paid.
What we are celebrating today, Mr. Speaker, is not only the honour being given to Peter Flaherty, but also that our government is conveying a high honour on one of the many people who are doing so much to help others every day of their lives in our communities.
The mayor of Grise Fiord, Jarloo Kigutak, wishes me to express the pride of the entire community of Grise Fiord that one of their most-respected citizens is being recognized in this way. Mayor Kigutak tells me that Peter Flaherty is always helping whoever needs help, every day. He'll show up anywhere, the mayor told me, asking if he can help. Even if not asked, Peter will shovel snow off an elder's steps or help someone preparing for a hunt. Even as a teenager, he was always helping out. He is a very generous man who is outgoing and friendly to all. "Peter has a heart," his oldest sister Martha told me.
Mr. Speaker, Peter is described as mentally challenged. I want to recognize that there are many other people like him in our communities who are not always recognized. Many of them make very important contributions to community life. In our Inuit culture, helping without expectation of reward or recognition is a strong part of our tradition.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.