Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise to speak on an issue that we see happening on a yearly basis in many communities in the North. This morning, I want to speak about the changing faces in Inuvik.

Mr. Speaker, with the increased activity, we have seen many new people come into the community and the region, new people who have taken the opportunity to come work in the North. Some have moved from other places in the Northwest Territories, some from southern Canada.

Mr. Speaker, as well at this time of year, we see some people leaving the Northwest Territories, whether it is individuals who have come up to teach our children, to work in our hospitals and health centres, or to work in the trades area. There is a whole field, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I have been in touch with my wife back home. She has informed me that we are losing some of the people who have been involved in teaching our children. I am aware of a long-term resident who is leaving Inuvik. It is a difficult time, Mr. Speaker, when you have long-term residents who have put in time and have put much of their livelihood into the North, trying to help us to be better in our communities, to help our children, to be more involved and take control of the communities we live in.

Mr. Speaker, there are too many to name and I know we will have difficulty replacing some of these individuals, whether it is in the hospitals or in the schools, or in the trades areas. I would just like to say to them that their input into our community, into our children, has not gone unnoticed.

Mr. Speaker, they have helped us out. They have helped us make our children more productive in school, as well as taking care of our children in the hospitals and health centres. I think it is important that we recognize their input in the North. Sometimes people get overlooked because of the fast pace of activity in communities. I think there is a time and opportunity to thank all of these people who have come north, who have challenged the seasons, who have lived through the winter and the darkness and lived through the 24 hours of sunlight. I wish them all the best in their travels and hope that they return to visit us once again. Thank you.

-- Applause