Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the time to thank volunteers from the Hay River Reserve. A constituent of mine went missing from the Hay River Reserve last week. On the day that I heard the news, I tried to contact several places on the reserve, including the band office and I could not get a hold of anyone. Everyone was out searching.
Mr. Ernest Tambour went missing from the Judith Fabian Centre on the reserve. This facility provides extended care services to the elderly and the mentally challenged. A ground, air and water search was conducted by Hay River Royal Canadian Mounted Police; RCMP police dog services from Peace River; Edmonton's RCMP air section; Hay River Coast Guard auxiliary; Hay River Fire Department; the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development; Evergreen Forest Management; South Mackenzie Correctional Centre, and a number of local area residents.
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to say that Mr. Tambour was found unharmed. He endured six nights alone in the bush. He was taken to the hospital for observation and he suffered only sore feet. Today, he is out of the hospital. He is resting and has been visited by his family and friends, who are grateful for his safe return.
I would like to thank the volunteers who found Ernest and would like to take this opportunity to thank all the rescuers for their continued support in ensuring the safety of the people, and thank the residents who volunteered in the search. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause