Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This summer Yellowknife and surrounding areas had some of the worst smoke and forest fire problems this region has seen in many years. Everyone in the area was affected in some way, especially living on or around the Ingraham Trail. Resources to fight these fires were at a premium. All the firefighters who worked so hard to contain or extinguish these fires deserve our warmest thanks. I would like to take this chance today to make special mention of a group of volunteers from the Yellowknife Correctional Centre who gave much needed support and assistance in battling these blistering blazes. Starting on July 22, 1998, 22 inmates helped firefighters for seven days on the front lines at Fire 42 located at Discovery Lake. Later, a crew of ten inmates worked with firefighters for ten days on the front lines at Fire 29 located at Tibbet Lake.

Front line fire crew supervisors spoke very highly of the work done by the inmates. They were so impressed by the level of competency shown by the inmates that two training sessions have been arranged for the winter and spring to further develop the skills of those inmates interested in participating. These men also showed us how inmates can give something back to the larger community by helping to respond to emergencies like these forest fires. It not only helps the community, but also gives these inmates a sense of accomplishment and pride that forms such an important part of every offender's rehabilitation.

To the members of the Yellowknife Correctional Centre's fire suppression teams and indeed all the fire suppression teams who put themselves at risk to prevent property loss and human casualty, I extend a sincere thanks for all their efforts, and their successes in fighting these fires and protecting this region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause