Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to announce the recipient of the NWT Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for 1998. Mr. Pat Bobinski of Hay River is being recognized for the contributions he has made to improving the lives of so many people in his community. Mr. Bobinski's commitment to supporting Hay River over the past 25 years spans a wide range of interests. They include:
- founding and building the Hay River Ski Club;
- leading outdoor trips for youth;
- being a member of the Hay River Flood Watch Committee; and
- coaching, officiating and organizing locally through to national biathlon competitions.
The Hay River Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Brigade and the Hay River Gun Club have also benefited from Pat's dedication and quiet leadership. Mr. Bobinski was nominated by the Recreation Board of Hay River for his outstanding dedication to developing and maintaining the Hay River Ski Club and Biathlon facilities. The presentation ceremony recognizing Mr. Bobinski as the 1998 Outstanding Volunteer will be held later this summer. In recognizing his accomplishments, Mr. Bobinski's name has been inscribed on the Department's Outstanding Volunteer Service Award recognition plaque. He will also receive a personal plaque and a carving from Fort Smith artist, Sonny MacDonald. I would like to extend a special thank you to Mr. MacDonald, who, for the past eight years has generously donated a carving to each winner of the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to join me in congratulating Pat Bobinski for his many years of dedicated service to his community and to the Northwest Territories. The Nominating Committee for this award also wishes to extend honorary mention to nominees John Argue of Yellowknife, Stephen Rowan of Fort Simpson and Qamaniq Sangoya of Pond Inlet, for their dedicated community involvement. Finally Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the communities of Arctic Bay and Broughton Island who submitted numerous names for consideration for this award. These candidates are being recognized in their own community as caring and generous people who are willing to provide for others less fortunate in their communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause