Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is not an exaggeration to say that tragedy has touched each of our lives over the past month. Last Saturday, several hundred people gathered at Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife to celebrate the life of Terry Bradley. Even though many were still feeling the shock of his sudden absence from their lives, Terry was remembered fondly as a man who devoted his life to education.
Mr. Speaker, Terry arrived in Yellowknife in 1991 when he accepted the principalship of JH Sissons School. He also found time to serve in an administrative role for the French first language school, Ecole Allain St-Cyr. Those who knew him recognized this as a labour of love that culminated in the grand opening of a new French school in 1999.
Kids loved Terry and so did their parents. Terry's creativity and patience inspired a generation of young people, instilling in them a desire for lifelong learning. As Minister, it was a pleasure to be part of the tribute paid by Education, Culture and Employment in June, 2000 to Terry and his wife Marie-Claire for their dedication and exceptional contribution to the growth and development of French language education in the Northwest Territories. It is a tribute richly deserved.
Mr. Speaker, Terry will be missed but his legacy will live on. A week ago today, the Northwest Territories held its collective breath, waiting for word of a plane that had gone missing between Yellowknife and Fort Liard. When word came that the plane had been found, everyone hoped for the best while preparing themselves for bad news. Sadly, the news was both good and bad. While three people survived the crash, Mr. Speaker, sadly, Sean Toner, Sally Bertrand and Daniel Lomen did not.
Mr. Speaker, Sean Toner will be remembered as someone who touched many in Fort Smith with his friendly, low-key approach to life and to people. He loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time hunting with friends. Sean received most of his elementary and high school education in Fort Smith. He was in the second year of the Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic Program at Aurora College. He was employed by Beaver Enterprises at the time of his passing.
As many of you already know, Sally was the band manager in Fort Liard. She also delivered the Income Support Program in the community on behalf of ECE. Sally is described as someone with an outgoing personality who was a pleasure to work with. Our sympathies are with her husband and young family.
Mr. Speaker, another passenger on the flight was Kim Deneron. Kim survived the crash and is listed as recovering and stable in an Edmonton hospital. A graduate of the Aurora College Teacher Education Program, Kim went on to acquire her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan. An excellent role model, Kim is in her second year of teaching in Fort Liard. Kim, each of us, and especially your students, are anxious to have you back in the classroom.
Mr. Speaker, our thoughts go out today to all of those who have experienced loss and sadness as a result of these events. On behalf of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and Aurora College, I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of Terry, Sean and Sally and Daniel. We would also like to wish a speedy recovery to Kim, Stanley and Brad. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.