Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as you and the Premier and the honourable Minister for Finance reflected, Tuesday, September 11th was the day the world changed forever with the disasters in New York and Washington. In the past few days, the insidious terror of the spread of biological weapons -- our seemingly orderly world has been shaken to its core. The global village has become much more closely connected. World leaders have united in their condemnation of terrorism.
Mr. Speaker, our part of the world is often removed, if not immune, from adverse world affects, but this was not the case on September 11th. Gwich'in Tribal Council representatives, including our colleague, Mr. Krutko, the Member for Mackenzie Delta, sought shelter in the Canadian embassy in Washington after the attacks. Here in Yellowknife, a Seattle-bound Boeing 777 jet with 144 passengers was diverted. Air travel across the world was shut down. Small northern airline operators were left scrambling to comply with regulations. Air travel resumed several days later with new security measures and all the complexities of a post-September 11th life.
Our city, Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services, businesses, individuals and other groups extended tremendous hospitality to our unexpected visitors. It was indeed a time to come together.
A Sir John Franklin High School graduate, Nancy MacNeil, a young woman, organized a special memorial at City Hall to enable Yellowknifers to show their sympathy. Flags flew at half-mast, a national day of mourning was declared and a book of condolences was signed by many here in the Great Hall.
Here in Yellowknife, Mr. Speaker, we responded with remarkable generosity as the Yellowknife Fire Department and local businesses, reaching out to victims and their families, raised over $30,000. We are not stopping there as we just heard of plans for local musicians putting together a benefit for the refugees from Afghanistan.
It is distressing, Mr. Speaker, that in Canada and the North, followers of Islam have been targeted as a result of terrorist activities. We must not act out of ignorance and fear. We must remain a caring and tolerant society that respects the fundamental freedoms of people around the world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause