Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is not everyday I get to rise and make a good news statement but today, I will make a good news statement.

It is my distinct pleasure, Mr. Speaker, to have attended and taken part as the emcee for the 9th Annual Hay River Play School Auction held in Hay River on May 11th. Mr. Speaker, the parents of children attending the Hay River Play School have undertaken this event for the last nine years in order to raise funds for a new building for the Hay River Play School. The present building was in deplorable condition and the state of the building was causing the parents grave concern for safety reasons.

Mr. Speaker, the Play School Auction this year raised approximately $21,000. This is truly a testament to the hard work of all of the parents. My sincere thanks also go out to the numerous citizens and businesses of Hay River who donated goods and services to the auction.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, it gives me great pleasure to publicly thank the Honourable Roger Allen, Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation, for his department's generous donation of two housing lots in Hay River to the Hay River Play School.

-- Applause

These two lots were made available so they may build a new building to house the play school.

Mr. Speaker, this has been the dream of the play school parents for a number of years. The parents have single-handedly raised tens of thousands of dollars towards this initiative. With the equity in the existing property and building, they will be able to reach their goal. I am pleased to report, Mr. Speaker, that plans are currently underway for the new play school and construction is to begin this summer. This is very welcome news for Hay River, Mr. Speaker, and I would like to commend the parents of the Hay River Play School for their diligence and conviction in seeing this project a reality. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause