Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I had the opportunity to participate in the official opening of the Fort Liard Community Hall last weekend, Saturday, February 22nd. MLAs James Rabesca, Floyd Roland and Mike Miltenberger accompanied me along with staff Pietro de Bastiani, Edith Giroux and Kat Nicholson. Ms. Penny Ballantyne, deputy minister of MACA, on behalf of the Honourable Manitok Thompson, was along for this trip. Mr. Speaker, it is very important that Members of this Legislative Assembly take any opportunity to experience other parts of the Northwest Territories, for we do make decisions that affect the lives of everyone in the NWT. For that, I thank the Members for accompanying me on this trip.
Mr. Speaker, it was an eventful day in Fort Liard. The MLA Sharks played a hard fought hockey game against the community and we won the match 10 to 7.
-- Applause
We won under the watchful eyes of our coach, James Scotty Bowman Rabesca. Several of the Sharks most spectacular goals were scored by my colleague from Inuvik, who has an incredible reach and finesse around the goal.
-- Applause
He reminds me of Jean Belliveau. Our defensive play was anchored by my smooth skating colleague for Thebacha. The Toronto Maple Leafs could use his skills right now. However, the truth to our success could be found in the top goal tending that we got from Fabian Hope, who was loaned to us by the community. Following the game, the community hosted a feast and drum dance and a dance to celebrate the opening of the community hall. This long awaited facility is a welcome addition to the community. It will be used for gatherings, community events, dances and meetings. Well-used facilities such as this have a very positive impact on the communities and will help bring people together. On behalf of the residents, I extend thanks to the former and current Member, Ministers of Municipal and Community Affairs for providing the residents of Fort Liard with this much needed community hall. I would also like to thank Her Worship, Nicole Latour-Theede, and the hamlet council, Chief Harry Deneron and the band council, and I am running out of time, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask for unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.