Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by saying how pleased I am to be back in this wonderful Chamber with yourself and all our colleagues to continue what I hope will be a very productive session.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident that all of my colleagues on both sides of the House will agree when I say that we have all been extremely busy over the last few months attending to legislative business, whether it be in support of our aboriginal people and their aspirations for land claims and self-government, selling our Territory to the world as a tourist haven, convincing big corporations that the North is a good place to come and do business, and I must not forget, Mr. Speaker, our attempts to find new sources of revenue for our deteriorating infrastructures.

However, Mr. Speaker, we must never get too busy in the day-to-day bustle of everyday living that we do not take time to reflect on our lives and what is important to us.

Mr. Speaker, the tragic events of September 11th, the recent drowning right here in Yellowknife and the tragedy in Fort Liard serve as a stunning reminder that we must all take some time in our lives to tell our families that we love them and that we cherish every moment that we spend with them.

Mr. Speaker, far too often we put off visiting old friends and acquaintances because we are too busy and far too often when we do find time, it is too late.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to recognize a number of long-term Hay River residents who have passed away over the last while. These people were all constituents of mine and some were personal friends. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the passing of Sarah Bond, George Edward Gray, Harold Hudson, Lois McCallum, Joyce Patterson-Robertson, Sarah Sibbeston and Ernest Joseph Villebrun.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to let these people's families know that my thoughts and prayers are with them and that they have my utmost sympathy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause