Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to celebrate with the people of Fort McPherson the opening of the John J. Francis curling rink. This facility is an example of what happens when the government programs follow community priorities and work along with the community to meet those priorities. This curling rink was not funded 100 percent by the government. A large portion of the construction costs were fundraised within the community of Fort McPherson. This was possible, because the curling rink was a dream held by the residents of Fort McPherson and a priority for the people of Fort McPherson. It will give them the power and the opportunity to make all efforts in the community come true.

When building a dream we also are building an opportunity that brings the people, the residents, the children and the elders together in one place to play, to laugh and to watch each other during a period of the year when most of the people stay at home and watch television. The commitment shown by the people of the community to bring this project is a recognition that health, activity and leisure time by the residents of Fort McPherson will have the opportunity in this facility to spend time together and play together.

Mr. Speaker, Fort McPherson will now have an opportunity to compete locally, regionally and territorially, and be able to travel to the regional playdowns, the territorial playdowns, and possibly to the Brier. Mr. Speaker, opportunities such as this can only come with the efforts shown by the government, the people in the communities, and the people in this House to make the dreams of small communities a reality. Mr. Speaker, along with the people and residents of Fort McPherson, I would like to thank the Honourable Manitok Thompson, the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, for showing that she does have faith in the small communities, and also to make those dreams become a reality.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the community of Fort McPherson on the opening of this facility and wish them all happiness and good health and good curling. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause