Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to begin by letting you know that I am happy to be back here in this wonderful Chamber with yourself and the rest of my colleagues to continue the work of the 14th Legislative Assembly on behalf of the people of the Northwest Territories.
As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, today is Valentine's Day. Seeing as I am one of the unfortunate and deprived Members who live outside of this expanding and booming capital city of Yellowknife...
-- Applause
-- Laughter
...I am going to borrow a line from my colleague, Mr. Roland, and send greetings and love to my wife and family back home.
Mr. Speaker, it does not seem like three months have gone by since we last sat in this Chamber together. I know that it has been a very busy time for everyone. I do hope that you all had an enjoyable holiday season. For me, this holiday season was extra special. I would like to share with you the gift that made it special.
Mr. Speaker, on November 16th during National Addictions Awareness Week, I spoke in this House on the problems associated with addictions and the dangerous effects that drinking and smoking can have on the unborn child. I informed the House that my daughter, Michelle, who was seven and a half months pregnant at that time, had given up smoking and drinking the day she found out she was pregnant.
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to let you know that at 3:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve, Michelle gave birth to a baby boy, weighing in at nine pounds, three ounces. Brent Michael Lane Hartwell is my third grandson, and he was born in his home community of High Level, Alberta. I am also happy to report that both mother and baby are healthy and doing great.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud of Michelle. I want to let her know that I appreciate the sacrifice she made to give her baby the opportunity to have a healthy start in life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause