Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on two events of some significance that took place in Tuktoyaktuk during the month of August of this year. On August 23rd, graduation ceremonies were held for four students who graduated from Mangilaluk School in Tuktoyaktuk. They were Amanda Nasagaluak, Charlene Steen, Curtis Wolki and Fred Voudrach, Jr. This event was well attended by proud parents and family members, teachers and members of the public. I know my colleagues here in the House join me in wishing these students every success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, another event that took place was the name change for the Tuktoyaktuk airport. The Tuktoyaktuk airport is now known as the James Gruben Airport. The naming of the airport after James Gruben will serve to acknowledge the skills and achievements of the late James Gruben. Mr. Speaker, James was well liked and respected by many. This was reflected by the fact that the air terminal was packed by well over 200 friends and relatives, including Nellie Cournoyea, chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, and Freddy Carmichael, a lifelong friend and distinguished bush pilot himself.

Mr. Speaker, James spent many hours operating his bush plane out of the Tuktoyaktuk airport, as well as the Tuktoyaktuk Harbour. He was a highly skilled and trusted bush pilot who many local residents, including myself, had the pleasure of flying with. Mr. Speaker, as you enter the air terminal building in Tuktoyaktuk now you will be greeted by a life-size bronze statue carved to the likeness of James Gruben. There is also a plaque alongside the statue outlining the achievements of this famous young pilot.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Tuktoyaktuk, I wish to thank the Honourable Joe Handley, Minister of Transportation, and his department for their cooperation in allowing this name change to go forward. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Tuktoyaktuk, I wish to invite and welcome all Members of this House to the James Gruben Airport in Tuktoyaktuk. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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