Thank you. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon I would like to call the Assembly's attention to the award of a Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal to Mr. Pat Fowler, an employee of the Department of Transportation.

Mr. Fowler is a veteran fire fighter with over 20 years of service at the Yellowknife airport. The Honours Directorate Chancellery of the Office of the Governor General of Canada issues this medal as part of the Canadian Honours system. The Department of Transportation, on behalf of the Office of the Governor General, presented Mr. Fowler with his award at a ceremony earlier this month with his fellow firefighters and colleagues at the Yellowknife airport.

Airport firefighters are the most important element in the department's response capabilities for aircraft fire emergencies. Air passengers can travel confidently in the knowledge that these fire-fighting professionals are dedicated to their safety.

Mr. Speaker, with the Office of the Governor General, I extend my congratulations to Mr. Fowler on receiving his award in recognition of his professional contribution and service to the Yellowknife airport. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause