Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is hard to follow Mr. Picco from time to time. Mr. Speaker, this weekend hundreds of Yellowknifers will be participating in the Third Annual Walk and Run to fight osteoporosis. Organizers hope to raise $10,000 with the event that will go toward education and awareness programs. Osteoporosis is a very serious and widespread disease; 1.4 million Canadians suffer from it including many northerners. Osteoporosis affects bone mass and over time, leads to low bone density leading to painful and debilitating fractures of hips, spine and other bones. People over 50 years of age are particularly vulnerable to this. Osteoporosis affects one in four women and one in eight men over 50. It is important to realize how prevalent this disease is. Although this is a painful and disabling condition, it is preventable if you start early enough with proper nutrition and regular exercise. I am getting involved this weekend by taking the time to MC the function for this Sunday's event.

Earlier this week, I sent around information to all MLAs explaining the merits of getting involved this weekend. I challenge all Members and the staff to take part in one of three events on Sunday. Either the team obstacle course, the five-kilometre walk or, for the more ambitious among you, the timed ten-kilometre run. It only takes a couple of hours of your time, and it benefits all of us as northerners. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Arctic Runners Club and the YWCA for sponsoring this event again this year and the Yellowknife Fire Department for providing the organization and central venue. It is volunteers like them who make this event possible. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. this Sunday at the fire station. I would urge all Yellowknifers to attend and even those visitors and MLAs. Thank you.

--Applause