Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk today about lifestyle and the choices we make as we go about our daily lives. So often, Mr. Speaker, what we do is taken for granted. It is a matter of choice. We just go about doing the things we do. That can be things as basic as what are the foods we eat that are going to set the standards for the kind of health we have throughout our lives. Whether we decide to smoke or have a beer too many is going to set the standard for the health and how much we are going to cost ourselves, our families and the system. Whether we read a newspaper or listen to a newscast, that will set the standard for how well we know our communities and what is going on around us.

Another choice that we make, and I think take far too much for granted, is how we use energy, Mr. Speaker. We make choices about leaving the lights on or turning the thermostat up, about the kind of homes we have. These are all things we need to be much more concerned about, Mr. Speaker, if we are going to be able to maintain sustainable and affordable energy. Especially, Mr. Speaker, as we assess the impact on our environment.

The newly formed Northwest Territories Climate Change Centre wants to do something about that. They are challenging those lifestyle choices we make about energy with the first Don't Drive to Work Week, which starts on Monday. The idea here is to encourage people to choose an alternative way to get to work. I think this is something that businesses and offices can have a look at and help the individuals join in there. There are some prizes that are being awarded for those offices that can demonstrate an 80 percent or greater rate of competition. The event begins on Monday morning at City Hall here in Yellowknife, when participants can join together and walk over here to the Legislative Assembly for the launch.

Mr. Speaker, this event is starting in Yellowknife. Hopefully, it will roll out into the other communities. I would challenge everyone to think about the choices they make, especially as it relates to energy and the cost to the environment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause