(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not wish to bear sad news, but it is a universal human thing that we feel sadness and compassion for others who have lost loved ones.
I would like to inform my colleagues that last week on May 19th, on my way to Yellowknife from Igloolik, there was a suicide. The man was Isaac Irngaut, who was 76 years old. I have known this man since my childhood, living in the same community with him. However, I do not know what his reasons were for his suicide. He was a very good man, a sober man all his life. Whenever he could, he would attend church and in the winter season, he would help the less fortunate, widowed women and the church by keeping their pathways clear of snow. He did this out of his own will and with no pay. Sometimes, though he would have difficulty walking as he had pain in his legs.
He will be greatly missed. He has many relatives, including his wife, his many daughters, sons and grandchildren. They will be in our prayers as we ask for their comfort and serenity. Mr. Speaker, I want to say to our younger generation that this should not be viewed as an acceptable option in life. In the old days among Inuit tradition, elders would commit suicide upon feeling or accepting that they could no longer contribute to their society and saw themselves as a burden to their people. I believe that Mr. Irngaut saw himself in that way. However, he still had much to give and I feel that this perception was not a true reflection of reality.
Mr. Speaker, we also feel compassion for Ludy Pudluk and his loved ones who have recently lost their mother. We will remember them in our prayers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Translation ends)