Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize an organization in Yellowknife who provide a valuable community service. Mr. Speaker, the group I am speaking of is the Yellowknife Association for Community Living. This association advocates with and on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in the Northwest Territories. In 1963, the first group of parents formed the association to seek support for their children. Since then, this association has grown and now supports individuals, families, and children in three communities in the NWT. The association is a member of the Canadian Association for Community Living and is represented by board members and self advocates at the national level.

The emphasis in the programs is first and foremost on the community inclusion. The Abe Miller Program provide opportunities for integrated training and employment of 24 people with intellectual disabilities. The Employment Support Services supports 19 people in employment in various businesses and government in Yellowknife. The Summer Café, which is operated by clients of Abe Miller, offers delicious luncheons in a pretty outdoor setting next to the Abe Miller Building.

The recently developed Literacy Outreach Centre is a partnership with Aurora College and offers individualized reading, writing, spelling, and math programs. People with and without disabilities are included in this program. The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Program is guided by the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Community Team made up of a variety of community agencies, health professionals, families, and government. The project promotes awareness about the prevention of fetal alcohol syndrome and offers support to families. Workshops have been developed to provide information to schools, families, and the general public.

As you can see, the Yellowknife Association for Community Living is a very much active group within our community and continues to be so through the many dedicated individuals who provide their time and energy to see this group succeed. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my fellow Members join me in recognizing this association and their clients and the many people who volunteer their services to this organization. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause