Mr. Speaker, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs annually promotes volunteers in the NWT, and awards the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. This award is given in recognition of the special contribution made by one of these volunteers who, over an extended period of time, has improved the quality of life in the NWT.
This is the sixth year the award has been presented. The previous winners are: Ms. Jan Stirling of Yellowknife, 1991; Mr. Donald Clarke of Rankin Inlet 1992; Mr. Larry Gordon of Inuvik, 1993; Mr. Max MeInyk of Norman Wells, 1994; and, Ms. Helene Usherwood of Yellowknife, 1995.
Mr. Speaker, volunteers are essential to the many groups who provide programs and services for our residents. Without the spirit of our volunteers, most of these groups would not exist and the quality of all our lives would suffer. Volunteers are the single most valuable resource in achieving our priorities for community wellness and community empowerment.
Mr. Speaker, National Volunteer Week was held April 21 to 27, 1996, and many volunteers were recognized during that time. We chose to wait until today to properly honour this year's award winner. At this time, I am pleased to announce the 1996 Outstanding Volunteer Service Award winner: Mr. Peter Flaherty of Grise Fiord.
Mr. Flaherty is being recognized for his dedicated assistance of community residents in need, by helping in any way he can to make the community a better place to live in.
It is my pleasure to invite the Members of the House to join me, members of Peter's family, the MLA for High Arctic, Levi Barnabas, the public and media for a reception in the great hall during our 3:00 p.m. break to honour Mr. Flaherty.
During the reception Mr. Flaherty will receive a number of recognition items, including a framed letter of citation; a commemorative plaque; and, a carving donated by Fort Smith artist, Sonny MacDonald.
Mr. Flaherty's name will be added on the recognition plaque displayed in the foyer of the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--- Applause