Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Members are probably already aware by the pink ribbons they are wearing and the wonderful display set up in the Great Hall, October is Breast Health Awareness Month. The start of the campaign is marked annually by the hugely successful CIBC Run for the Cure, which this year, with the help of six other communities in the North, the city of Yellowknife may reach the $200,000 mark in money raised for the first time.

Mr. Speaker, I believe this tremendous community generosity comes from our growing understanding of the unflinching grasp of this disease, which continues to touch each and every one of us. While still less than in the provinces, the number of incidents of breast cancer in the North is on the rise.

Mr. Speaker, fortunately for all of us, early detection and advances in treatment through education and research, are helping to keep the rate of survival on the rise as well. When breast cancer enters a woman's life, it causes long-reaching effects into the lives of families, friends, and communities. More than anything else, the woman and her family reach out and rely on the help of those who understand the full characteristics and implications of this disease in all of its manifestations, physically and emotionally.

Two organizations in the North in particular worked very closely to provide information and support in this way. NWT Breast Health/Breast Cancer Action Group and the Canadian Cancer Society. The action group began their organized activities in 1997. This is a dedicated group made up of those who had been affected by breast cancer, either directly or through a loved one. With funding from Health Canada, which will last until March, 2003, their work is in development and dissimination of materials for youth by northern women and health care professionals in every community.

Their written, oral and visual and very unique materials created specifically for the northern women by northern women are being used by groups across Canada and as far away as Africa.

The action group also works in conjunction with many organizations that have an interest in breast health and breast cancer. One example is the development of guidelines and protocols for clinical breast exams and breast self-examinations developed by the Department of Health and Social Services in consultation with the action group.

The Canadian Cancer Society, whose work includes breast health and breast cancer began their work in the Northwest Territories eight years ago. Mr. Speaker, may I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement? Thank you.