The Member for Yellowknife South is seeking unanimous consent to conclude his statement. Do I have any nays? You have no nays. You have unanimous consent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The former chairman did a very good job during his term. He would have provided the Yellowknife representation that the Minister wants and would have brought continuity to the board. Mr. Speaker, I am sure that a new board will do a good job, however, if we want to be able to attract the best people to these types of positions, we need to be more considerate in how we treat them and deal with their re-appointment. Later on today, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for Mr. Antoine in this regard. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Henry. Members' statements. Mr. Erasmus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we often hear about the roads, the eye glasses, division, and many other such areas. This session I also hope to talk a bit about some of the people in my community who are making a difference. Today, I want to talk about a success story. The success story is about a small business which is providing a service in our community. It is about a young man who has achieved success despite personal challenges. Mr. Speaker, most Yellowknifers know Ronnie Hauck. He is the friendly operator of his own delivery business called Ron's Independent Courier Service. In fact, Ron delivers mail here every day. I understand the Minister of Finance helped Ron get his business started two years ago. Mr. Hauck is a mentally challenged gentleman who has had the support from many, including the Association for Community Living and his hard working mom.

Ron has achieved success because he is very serious about what he does. He provides good service to his customers, he is reliable, responsible and he is always friendly. In fact, he stops to talk to you and to see how you are doing. As a government, we talk about helping people to help themselves. Mr. Hauck is an example of what people can achieve with support systems, which allow them to maximize their potential.

I wish him continued success in this business. I also hope we can keep in place the types of support systems that helped Mr. Hauck to become a successful businessman.

Thank you, Mr. Erasmus. Members' statements. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has been brought to my attention that 10 students at the Tsiigehtchic Hamlet in Gjoa Haven have been chosen to go on a student exchange this March to Oakville, Ontario. Then in April, 10 students of Oakville will have the occasion to visit Gjoa Haven. Students and staff involved with this exchange are very excited about the opportunity to travel to southern Canada to learn and share about each other, to teach them about the Inuit culture. The Gjoa Haven students plan to take

the visitors out on the land, as well as demonstrating cultural games and events throughout the week-long visit in Gjoa Haven. Although this exchange is made possible with generous sponsorship of Vision Canada, the students need to raise an additional $3,000. The students are asking for support for any contribution towards this enlightening exchange. It would be greatly appreciated, Mr. Speaker, if anyone or any organization would support this exchange and we look forward to receiving a contribution. I think the visit is beneficial to both, to learn about the two different cultures. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Members' statements. Mr. Ootes.

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Members' statements. Mr. O'Brien.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I received written confirmation from Mr. Ng that the community of Baker Lake has lost its status of being the regional office for Social Services for the Keewatin region. Mr. Speaker, five employees have been transferred to Rankin Inlet, which will become the new home of the regional office.

Mr. Speaker, no consultation took place with the community by the health board regarding these extreme measures. Mr. Speaker, how can this be justified in light of the fact that this community suffers from between 75 and 85 percent unemployment and the other community has an unemployment rate of 18 percent? Mr. Speaker, the point I am making is, when we talk about community empowerment, this flies directly in the face of the process that we are trying to put forth. Mr. Speaker, I have some very serious reservations about the process and how it is being delivered. Thank you.

-- Applause

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien. Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Arlooktoo.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Peter Ernerk who is a former Member of this Legislature, member of the Nunavut Implementation Commission and he is also a well-known commentator on Inuit affairs.

-- Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Krutko.

Welcome. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. George Porter from Gjoa Haven. Mr. Porter is a member of District Education Authority, a member of the Board of Governors from Arctic College, Nunavut Water Board, Nunavut Social Development Council and the Seniors' Society of the NWT. Thank you.

-- Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize members of the NWT Seniors' Advisory Council. Some of them have been recognized already, but in their capacity as members of this Council, we have Ms Esther Braden, President from Yellowknife, Mr. Peter Ernerk from Rankin Inlet, Mr. Lloyd Brunes from Hay River, Ms Elizabeth Colin from Fort McPherson, Mr. Don Brannigan from Fort Smith, Mr. Abe Okpik from Iqaluit, and of course Mr. George Porter from Gjoa Haven. We also have with the Advisory Council, their Executive Director, Ms Barb Bond. Thank you.

-- Applause

Welcome to the Assembly. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Mr. Picco.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Ng just said, in the gallery today is a well-know Iqaluit elder and it would take me all day to talk about the awards and the presentations made to this gentlemen. Mr. Abe Okpik is a well-known Inuk elder from Iqaluit. He has the Order of Canada, and is a very good friend of mine. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause