Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, 26 years ago, the St. John Ambulance organization was invited by the government of the day to establish here in the Northwest Territories. Since that time, the organization has become an active contributor in almost every community in the NWT. The volunteers are well-known for their work in providing safety and first aid training courses. The St. John Ambulance brigade has volunteers who serve at numerous public functions. This past winter, for example, St. John volunteers provided services at the Arctic Winter Games, which saw thousands of competitors and members of the public participating. The Arctic Winter Games alone, benefitted from more than 700 hours of volunteer first aid and safety services. Their involvement in large events, such as the Arctic Winter Games and similar public functions is important, not only for public safety, but also supports the professional functioning of events attended by many NWT residents.
St. John Ambulance is not just a first aid and safety training organization. They also undertake good work by providing youth programs. Programs for children six years and older give children in our communities a chance to build social skills, self-esteem, as well as knowledge and skills in first aid and safety. Unfortunately, in April of this year, the St. John Ambulance was told that they would no longer receive any further funding from the Government of the Northwest Territories. Last year, funding was cut in half from the $95,000 of two years ago. This year, their funding is zero. This core funding went specifically into the operation of the organization's volunteer programs. On average, 1,000 hours of volunteer services were delivered throughout the NWT each year. The funding cuts will mean this service will no longer be available. I know that many organizations have been affected by government cutbacks, and, certainly, St. Johns took their fair share of cuts over the previous two years. However, given the nature of the service provided by St. John Ambulance and the overall benefit to the public, I strongly believe and would encourage the Minister that their funding be reinstated. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause