Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about a remarkable individual from Iqaluit. Mrs. Inga Alainga was born in 1932 on Nottingham Island. Inga's parents were Mary Eeleeteeka Nakoolak and Peter William Mackenzie who was working for the Hudson's Bay Company in Port Burwell.

Mrs. Alainga and her family moved from Nottingham Island to Port Burwell and then to Resolution Island. Later, Mrs. Alainga married well known, respected Inuk leader, Simonie Alainga. Simonie and Inga went on to have 13 children and were well known for their devotion to helping others. Mrs. Alainga, after moving to Iqaluit, opened her home to many of the people from Baffin communities who had to travel to Iqaluit for hospital. Even today, with a boarding home for hospital patients, Mrs. Alainga continues to open her home for those patients.

The tragic boating accident in October, 1994, that took her loving husband and close relatives was very difficult for Inga and all of her family. But Mrs. Alainga has remained strong and is still involved with helping others. She is well known for her cooking and still carries on the traditional art of sewing traditional clothes. She likes to make quilts and has a good sense of humour.

Mr. Speaker, after forcible relocations of raising a family, of the boat tragedy, Mrs. Inga Alainga has remained a strong and dedicated community leader, and I know that you and this House will join with me in thanking her for her generosity and humanity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause