Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to speak briefly today about three important events that took place over the weekend in Fort Smith. On Friday evening, the Minister of Transportation came to the community to commission the recently renovated airport terminal, which almost looks brand new. It was long overdue and a real benefit for that part of our infrastructure.
Also on the weekend, Mr. Speaker, we had a very important celebrity auction to help assist St. Joseph's Cathedral. Many Members in this House were kind enough to contribute items and artifacts that were auctioned off. I understand it was very successful. In three hours, they apparently raised over $15,000 to help assist the cathedral.
As well, Mr. Speaker, we had the Third Annual Aurora Open Charitable Golf Tournament, which has a focus of trying to raise money for workplace literacy. Out of that tournament, we were able to donate $5,000 to the Literacy Council for the promotion of workplace literacy. Mr. Speaker, that event would not have been possible without the kind support of many corporate sponsors, such as Canadian North, Northwestern Airlease, Diavik, NorthwesTel, BHP, NTPC and Kaeser's.
Mr. Speaker, it was a resounding success. I hope to see this duplicated and improved upon next year. I would also like to thank my colleagues who came down to support this very worthwhile activity, Minister Allen; my colleagues, Mr. Lafferty and Mr. Nitah. While we were there, the Minister was very busy meeting with sporting groups, the ski club, the biathlon club, kayakers, as well as the golfing folks and their golfing fraternity to look at what is possible in trying to improve those particular resources.
All in all, Mr. Speaker, it was a very positive weekend for Fort Smith. I would like to thank my colleagues and all of the corporations who made this possible, and all of the people who dug into their pockets in Fort Smith to help with the cathedral. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause