Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to take the opportunity to honour a member of my constituency, Mrs. Margaret Thom of Fort Providence. Mr. Speaker, Margaret has earned the Wise Woman Award from the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories. Margaret is employed as a school and community counsellor at Deh Gah School in Fort Providence.
A mother and grandmother, she is a prominent volunteer, serving as vice-chair with the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Board. She is a member of the Deh Cho Educational Council and a board member with the Hay River Reserve Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centre.
She has also recently initiated an anti-smoking campaign for the youth called the Non-Puffers Program, and was recently appointed as a representative at the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
Margaret also works on self-esteem development with a group who have dropped out of school. Her past consists of band councillor and co-ordinator of the Brighter Futures program. She has worked with the Friendship Centre and the Healing Lodge. She has had many opportunities to travel and participate in many gatherings, assemblies and workshops.
Mr. Speaker, we are very proud of Margaret's accomplishments. Margaret is a role model for our community, and the Northwest Territories has benefited. We pass on our congratulations to Margaret.
-- Applause