Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon, colleagues, and welcome back. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak about a fine and exemplary citizen of Yellowknife who has worked north of 60 both for pay and as a volunteer, and has benefited so many people here in the North for the past 30 years. Tom Eagle came to the NWT in 1971 as a military man in charge of setting up cadet corps in the NWT and the Yukon. He was part of a contingent of military people chosen for transfer to the North, based not only on their military standing, but also because of their volunteer involvement.

The intent was to have the military presence create a positive impact on the North. Tom says he cannot thank the Armed Forces enough for bringing him to the NWT.

While serving with the forces here, Tom was instrumental in establishing cadet corps in Yellowknife and in other communities in the NWT, Yukon, and what is now Nunavut.

Following his retirement from the Armed Forces, with 25 years of service, Tom became Commissioner Hodgson's assistant for five years. He says he thinks back to working with the commissioner with great pleasure, not only because of the work itself, but because it gave him an opportunity to visit every community across the Arctic and begin treasured friendships with many people, including most of the leaders of today.

Tom then went on to work for the Government of the Northwest Territories for a number of years, during which time he took on several tasks, including helping to set up the NWT Housing Corporation, the political development of aboriginal people, and helping youth to become organized.

From the time of his arrival in the North, Tom was involved as a volunteer on the board of the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre. The accomplishments from those early days include the purchase of the present Tree of Peace building, the taking over of the Camp Antler program, the formation of the business arm of the Tree of Peace, and the setting up of adult education at alcohol and drug and employment outreach programs.

Tom was part of the establishment of friendship centres in Fort Rae, Hay River, Rankin Inlet, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith and Fort Providence. He also served a two-year stint as president of the National Association of Friendship Centres.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.