Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Wednesday, February 5, 1997, I had the pleasure of attending the open house at the Yellowknife Women's Centre. The Yellowknife Women's Society recently received a grant from CMHC to do some long-overdue renovations to their facility. I had the honour of accepting an award in recognition of the many acts of support that the staff of MACA has given the Women's Centre. The award reads, "1997 Humanitarian Award of Notable Achievement and Excellence for the Advancement of Social Development and Community Prosperity".

As some of you may know, the Yellowknife Women's Society provides several services to the women of the Northwest Territories and their families such as: a hot lunch program; a food, clothing and furniture depot; and advocacy and support for women in their dealings with other agencies, employers, landlords, and the legal system.

The Women's Society has received an ongoing contribution of $30,000 from the GNWT, which assists with the core expenses. For the last two years, the Women's Society has received funding from Brighter Futures Canada. This is a federal government program to promote healthy babies and mothers, by providing high-risk pregnant women with information about health care during pregnancy and after delivery.

The efforts of volunteers are indispensable in a not-for-profit organization. Many staff members from MACA have contributed both time and money to helping make the centre flourish. They have taken positions on the Board of Directors. They have provided cooking and baking for the annual Christmas dinner. They have assisted at fund-raising bingos and have made many donations to the food and clothing depots.

I am very proud to be associated with this department. Please join me in expressing my congratulations to my staff. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause