Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last Friday evening I flew home to Hay River to attend the Hay River Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting. Mr. Speaker, I listened to an enlightened speech given by Randy Ottenbreit, the manager of the Mackenzie Gas Project with Imperial Oil Resources. In addition, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Honourable Jim Antoine for also attending and delivering a message on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
One of the highlights of the evening, Mr. Speaker, was the awarding of the Alf Mansell Citizen of the Year award. It was awarded to my constituent Mr. Lloyd Brunes. Mr. Speaker I have known Lloyd for some 25 years and I can attest that he is indeed a very worthy recipient of this award. Lloyd has been a very dedicated volunteer in Hay River for many years, Mr. Speaker, even when he was holding down a full-time job as superintendent of public works for the town of Hay River for some 25 years.
Mr. Speaker, Lloyd is a long-serving member of both the Royal Canadian Legion and the West Channel Fishermen's Heritage Committee. He is also presently serving his third two-year term as a member of the Hay River Housing Authority board of directors. In addition, Mr. Speaker, Lloyd has contributed his wealth of experience and knowledge for many years to the Hay River Flood Control Committee. Mr. Speaker, Lloyd is the chairperson of the Hay River Community Health Board. In addition, he is the president of the Hay River Seniors' Society and he is also an executive member of the Northwest Territories Seniors' Society, having served as their president for the past two years. In addition, Mr. Speaker, Lloyd is also currently serving his second two-year term as the Northwest Territories' representative to the National Advisory Council on Aging.
Mr. Speaker, at the chamber of commerce dinner when Lloyd was honoured it was mentioned that, and I quote: "Whether or not he is doing his share does not seem to be a consideration with Lloyd, but whether a job has to be done and he can do it. He is deserving of recognition for just being a good neighbour and is known for helping wherever he sees the need, whether it is delivering some fire wood or hanging a door." Mr. Speaker, I couldn't agree more. Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Lloyd Brunes as a very worthy recipient to the Alf Mansell Citizen of the Year award.
