Merci, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, every year on July 1st, I have been celebrating Canada Day. I grew up in my community of Fort Simpson. I always remember, as a Dene, we would live out on the land and we would come to town for the summer. It was always a special day. The summer I remember was the one I eventually found out about Canada Day. At first, it was a great celebration, a gathering of people. Being a Dene and eating strange foods like hot dogs and ice cream. Eventually, I found out that it was Canada Day. The significance of it to me is that it was a very important day.
In my line of work, I have an opportunity to travel a number of times in different countries. Once you come back you realize that Canada is a great place. On behalf of my communities, Fort Simpson, Fort Liard, Nahanni Butte, Jean Marie, and Trout Lake, tomorrow will be a special day. I know that everybody makes their plans to celebrate. I will not be there with them, but I will be celebrating here and will be there in spirit with the people I represent. Thank you. Mahsi.
-- Applause