Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to a group of very dedicated Hay River volunteers who oversee an extremely important venture in Hay River. Mr. Speaker, the group of volunteers I referred to is the Hay River Heritage Society, whose labour of love is the Hay River Heritage Centre. For approximately the past 10 years, ideas were bandied about amongst several key people whose dream it was to see a heritage centre become a reality. Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest hurdles encountered in erecting a heritage centre is the ability to secure an adequate facility. To this end, I am pleased to report that NTCL, a local Hay River company, donated one of their buildings to the heritage society. The building that NTCL donated is an integral part of Hay River's heritage itself, as it is the old Hudson Bay building that dates back many years.

This is another wonderful example of Hay River's corporate sector doing their part. Once a building is located, Mr. Speaker, another challenge is obtaining ongoing O and M funding to keep a heritage centre operational. Mr. Speaker, the support of our community residents is evidenced by the fact that the Hay River public has brought forward a steady stream of artifacts to the heritage centre for display and preservation.

I was very alarmed, Mr. Speaker, to learn the plight of the members of the Hay River Heritage Centre, who have indicated that they may have to close up our heritage centre if more financial resources are not found to keep this centre operating. Mr. Speaker, the Hay River Heritage Society recently held a press conference and stated that they have three choices: one is to operate the museum on its usual shoestring budget; two is to close for the summer and clean and catalogue the artifacts due to a lack of funding; three is to close its doors permanently.

According to the heritage society, Mr. Speaker, it costs approximately $10,000 a year to operate the heritage centre on a bare bones existence. The heritage centre creates employment as well, Mr. Speaker, as the heritage society employs one summer student every year.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the preservation of our unique Hay River heritage is vital. Hay River has a long history as a transportation and fishing hub and Hay River has always possessed a cultural component. The preservation of all these facets is critical. Mr. Speaker, the support for museums across the North is nothing new. I have witnessed many examples...