Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has been almost four months since our last Session, although it does not seem like that long. Mr. Speaker, I am sure that it has been a very busy time for every one of you as it has been for me. I must say, Mr. Speaker, that it feels good to be back with you and all the Members on both sides of the House in this wonderful Chamber. Mr. Speaker, I thought that today I would use this opportunity to acknowledge a few events that have taken place in Hay River over the summer.
The Hay River Fire Department celebrated 50 years of service to the community and, Mr. Speaker, the residents, business people and administrators of our town are very proud of this group of volunteers. The Pentecostal Assembly celebrated their 50th anniversary of service to Hay River. Mr. Speaker, not only did they look after the spiritual needs of the residents, they were also very instrumental in providing the infrastructure and professionals to administer health and social needs of the community. Special recognition was given to Reverend Ken Gates as the man who made this all happen. Reverend Glen Wallington was named citizen of the year. Mr. Speaker, this man has been a tireless worker and fund-raiser for our youth and is primarily responsible for the establishment of the youth centre in Hay River.
I would like to acknowledge the opening of the West Channel Bridge. Mr. Speaker, I will speak in more detail on this very important piece of infrastructure later in this Session.
I would like to congratulate our newly elected town council: Mayor Duncan McNeill; re-elected councillors Vern Tordoff, Robert Bouchard and Dean McMeekin; and new councillors Diane Ehman, Glen Smart, Tom Hamilton, Peter and Mike Mahar. I look forward to working with all of them.
Mr. Speaker, last night I attended a very special ceremony in the council chamber in Hay River to mark the retirement of W. R. Red McBryan after 47 years of service to Hay River as a councillor, deputy mayor and mayor. I would like to thank the Honourable Roger Allen for coming to Hay River to acknowledge Red McBryan's accomplishments.
On a sadder note, Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the passing of several individuals. Firstly, Mr. Dennis Sconey, a well-known resident of Hay River and a very good friend of mine. We also lost Hazel Haight, who was very well known to anyone in politics as she served as our returning officer for 25 years. Also, Mr. Speaker, the victims of the terrible tragedy in Fort Good Hope. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate and welcome Nicole Latour-Theede as the first female Sergeant-at-Arms for the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause