Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I stated yesterday, I had the good fortune to spend a couple of days in Fort Liard, one of the six communities in my constituency, last week. I was very impressed with the work that people at Liard are doing to take advantage of the development opportunities in their region and attempting to build a healthy and productive community. During my stay there I met with leaders and the public to discuss important economic initiatives being undertaken in the Liard River Valley. The visit also afforded me a better understanding of the challenges faced by the band, businesses and residents as they try to gain a full measure of benefits from economic opportunities in their back yard.

Mr. Speaker, the Liard River Valley is blessed with an abundance of forests and hydrocarbon resources. The people are working hard to build the businesses and skills required to meet the demands of this thriving forest industry, the oil and gas exploration industries, tourism and other economic development opportunities. I would like to take this opportunity to identify some of the successes and encourage the community to continue on and take advantage of these opportunities. Under the leadership of the Chief, Harry Deneron, and the band council, the Acho Dene Koe Band has focused on the areas of job training, employment and improving social well-being in the face of the development activities. They have Beaver Enterprises Ltd., which provides heavy equipment and camp services, Deh Cho Air charter lines, Deh Cho Helicopters and Liard Valley Fuel Centre Ltd.

Mr. Speaker, Fort Liard also has several First Nations, Metis and entrepreneurs who have developed their businesses there as well. I came away from Fort Liard with renewed optimism. The people of this small but vibrant community are meeting the challenges of development head-on and fostering businesses which will not only benefit their community, but the territory as a whole. With that, I would like to encourage and support people in Fort Liard who are facing these challenges head-on. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.