Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak a little about the accomplishments of residents from Iqaluit. Too many times we raise issues of concerns, complaints, et cetera. Today, I would like to end this sitting on a most positive note.

Last week one of the Pages here in the Assembly from Iqaluit was Sean Doherty. Sean is a grade seven student at Inuksuk High School and was one of three students who represented the NWT at the Great Canadian Geography Quiz in Ottawa. Sean did very well.

Three Iqaluit high school students were selected to participate in the architecture, engineering, and computer program. Erin Levy, Jean Simpson, and Denis Plaza will travel here to Yellowknife in July for orientation. Congratulations.

Donna Kenneally, Jimmy Arlooktoo, Ineak Ipeelie, Edward Flowers, and Jason Carpenter, all students of Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit, flew to Latvia to learn about the history, culture and language of the country and then to New York where they represented the country Latvia at the model United Nations conference. They were excellent ambassadors of the north and thanks go out to David Willman, Lin Moss, Derek Cutler, and Ramon Deluca, who were the staff accompanying the students.

The first all women's expedition to the north pole was completed successfully. Members of the women's polar relay expedition were led by Iqaluit's own Matty McNair. Congratulations, Matty.

Moosa and Pitsula Akavak of Iqaluit completed a walk with their children from Lake Harbour to Iqaluit. Mr. Speaker, Moosa and Pitsula were walking to raise awareness of family issues. They are excellent role models for all northerners.

Nunatsiaq news, based in Iqaluit, recently won two awards for best editorial and second best for colour on a tabloid page. Over 145 community newspapers competed in that competition. Congratulations.

Finally, I know that all Members of this House know long time northerner, and my good friend, Mr. Gordon Rennie. Gordon celebrated his 50th year of employment with the Northwest Company, formerly the Hudson Bay Company, last month.

Mr. Speaker, Gordon is still working every day at the northern convenience store in Iqaluit and I know Members of this House will join me in congratulating Gordon and wishing him and his family good health and hopefully soon, a happy and quiet retirement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.