Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, first of all I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Taloyoak. When Northern Transportation Company Limited (NTCL) was purchased equally by the Inuit of Nunavut and the Inuvialuit of the western Arctic, the board of directors began a program of renaming its fleet of ships to better reflect its northern aboriginal ownership. On September 12, 1998, NTCL held an official ceremony in Taloyoak to rename the former MV Kelly Hall to MV Pisurayak Kootook. Pisurayak Kootook or David was a courageous member of the Taloyoak community who was on a medevac emergency flight that crashed on route from Cambridge Bay to Yellowknife. Pisurayak David Kootook, although seriously injured himself, worked heroically to keep his fellow passengers alive until he finally succumbed to his own injuries. Pisurayak Kootook is a true northern hero and it is only fitting that he be recognized with this honour in his own community.

David's mother and family were on hand to christen the vessel and honoured guests included were: John Ningark, MLA for Natilikmiot; Mayor Dennis Lyall of Taloyoak; NTCL Chairman of the career development committee, Wilf Wilcox; President Cameron Clement and Pat Lyall and also Norterra executive vice-president Murrie Hurrley. I would like to thank Mr. Clement for providing this information to me. I would like my colleagues to join me in congratulating the community and the family of Kootook. Thank you.

--Applause