Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling a list naming those residents of the Northwest Territories who were nominated by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories and by the Government of the Northwest Territories and who have been selected to receive a Queen's Golden Jubilee commemorative medal.
I would like to congratulate these medal recipients who will learn today by this announcement that they have been chosen to receive this prestigious award. I would also like to congratulate all other residents of the Northwest Territories who have been nominated by various government and non-government agencies to receive this award.
The Golden Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth the Second commemorates the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty's reign as Queen of Canada. It is an award of distinction, which is part of the Canadian Honours system. It is being bestowed on 46,000 Canadians, from all walks of life, who have distinguished themselves through their achievements or who have made an outstanding contribution to their fellow citizens, their communities or Canada.
The creation of the Queen's Jubilee Medal was announced earlier this year by the Governor General of Canada. Partners from various organizations across Canada were invited to propose the names of candidates for the medal. These partner organizations include: federal, provincial and territorial governments; national professional, educational and cultural organization; the military and the RCMP; veterans groups; sports associations and charitable organizations.
Mr. Speaker, 149 residents of the Northwest Territories were nominated by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories and the Government of the Northwest Territories. Regrettably their names are too numerous to mention here individually. However, their collective accomplishments have done much to enrich the lives of all people of the Northwest Territories. They have distinguished themselves through their accomplishments in a variety of areas including literacy, the arts, athletics, community leadership, public service and volunteerism, to name a few.
Each recipient will receive a commemorative medal struck by the Canadian Mint and a certificate bearing the recipient's name. In the interest of ensuring that all nominees receive their medals before the end of the Jubilee Year, I will be personally advising recipients of their awards in writing and indicating who nominated them.
Mr. Speaker, all residents of the Northwest Territories who have been nominated to receive a Queen's jubilee medal were chosen because their contributions to their communities and to the Northwest Territories have made an impression upon others. They have provided a valuable contribution to NWT society, and it is my great pleasure to honour them for their achievements. Thank you.
-- Applause