Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to welcome our visiting Russian delegation. I hope they find our city and country interesting and enjoyable.

Yesterday as you may recall, we had the privilege to meet with the NWT Council of Friendship Centres. The meeting proved to be very interesting and informative. In my community the friendship centre has been a focal point for the young and old for many years. It was not that long ago the centre was in a very bad financial state and looked like it was on the verge of closing. However, due to the hard work of the board and their executive director, this friendship centre is now operating many services that are needed in the community and have been able to get the financial situation back in order.

Most of you have seen the friendship express driving the streets of Yellowknife over the past months. This is one example, the board saw a need for a regular scheduled bus service between Rae-Edzo and Yellowknife and were able to purchase a bus. They now operate this bus daily, picking up freight from various suppliers here in Yellowknife as well as transporting residents to and from Yellowknife.

The friendship centre movement across our great nation provides many very good programs and services for our native people. These centres are a safe place to go where you are always welcome with a smile and a hot cup of coffee. They make you feel at home and wanted. Mr. Speaker, the NWT Council of Friendship Centres needs our support and we should not hesitate in giving it to them. It is for the best for all our people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause