Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a pleasure to be back here with all of you, and I look forward to a very productive session. The last time I had the opportunity to address my colleagues in this Chamber there was a very cool breeze blowing here in Yellowknife, and indeed across all of our Territory. Fortunately, Mr. Speaker, that breeze has warmed up considerably and I might go as far as to say that summer has arrived.

Mr. Speaker, there is a certain magic about this time of year, and it shows up in all of our communities and on our streets. People cannot wait to put away their winter clothes and don their much cooler summer outfits.

Mr. Speaker, our walking trails, our parks and our ball diamonds come alive with all sorts of summer activities. We also see people airing out their tents and cleaning out their campers and motor homes, getting ready for their first camping trip of the year. And why not, Mr. Speaker? The days are very long, we have just come through a very long winter and, best of all, the bugs are not too bad yet.

Mr. Speaker, one thing that can put a damper on a weekend camping trip is to get to your favourite camping location and find that there are no sites left or, worse yet, Mr. Speaker, to find a gate across the entrance that is locked, thus denying everyone the pleasure of using the campground.

Mr. Speaker, the campground at Escarpment Creek just south of Enterprise has been enjoyed by many residents of Hay River and surrounding areas for several years. It is considered by many, myself included, Mr. Speaker, to be one of the best campgrounds for a weekend getaway.

Mr. Speaker, on a number of occasions last summer, I drove down to the Escarpment Creek campground with out-of-town guests. We were going to enjoy a barbecue, and I was going to show them the picturesque scenery from this location, only to find the gate closed and locked. Mr. Speaker, this situation exists at Escarpment Creek campground again this year. It has been brought to my attention by a number of constituents.

Mr. Speaker, this is a territorial campground funded by public money. I say remove the lock, open the gate and allow our residents to enjoy the short summer season as much as possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause