Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of my colleague for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Floyd Roland, and myself, and with the concurrence of the respective families, I would like to take this opportunity to make my Member's statement in memory of the following three individuals from the Beaufort-Delta who recently passed away.

I am speaking of the late Lawrence Simon who passed away in Whitehorse in May of this year. He worked for the Council of Yukon First Nations as their board coordinator. Lawrence was adopted by the well-known and respected Gwich'in elder Sarah Simon. He is survived by his wife, Rosie Elias, eight children, and his maternal mother, Catherine Mitchell of Inuvik.

As well from Inuvik, the late Roderick Darryl Simon, also known as Kaliak, who recently passed away in a drowning accident. Kaliak just got on permanently with the Department of Transportation. Prior to that he worked for ISGL and Westwind Recreation in Inuvik. He leaves behind his wife, Erin Alunik, and two young children and his maternal mother, Dorothy McLaren. Kaliak was predeceased by his adopted parents, Sadie and Isaac Simon.

As well from Inuvik, Donald Charles Smith, also known as Danny. He was one of the early reindeer herders, a railway worker and a special constable. Danny is survived by his wife, Fabie, and eight children.

Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of knowing Lawrence Simon, Danny Smith and the family of Roderick Simon. I would ask this House to join me in sending our condolences to their family and many friends here in the North. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.