Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we heard a number of good events recognized here today: Seniors' Week, Clean Air Day. I'd like to add another, Mr. Speaker, and I have a lapel pin commemorating that the first Sunday in June has now been proclaimed Canadian Forces Day, and it recognizes contributions of our navy, army, air force in Canada and the good work they do around the world, Mr. Speaker. These folks are involved in defense of Canada, NATO, humanitarian and disaster assistance, search and rescue and peacekeeping. On June 1st Canadians recognize members for their service, and these folks are present in every province and territory across Canada. Here in the North, Canadian Forces Northern Area 440 Squadron took part in an open house at the YK Airport as part of National Transportation Week.
There are over 100,000 members who form the National Defense family across the country, Mr. Speaker, made up of a regular force of about 60,000 men and women, 19,000 civilians, 400 rangers, 2000 junior rangers, 60,000 Cadets, and 130,000 military families. Canadian Forces Northern Area personnel have the task of protecting our northern sovereignty. The CFNA headquarters is located in Yellowknife and it does conduct operations for the entire Arctic, including Nunavut and the Yukon. In town there are 150 northern personnel who manage an area of almost four million square kilometres, Mr. Speaker. In the North, we have 23 Cadet Corps involving 400 youth, and I was fortunate enough, Mr. Speaker, last May 10th to attend the 30th annual inspection of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets at the 440 hangar here in Yellowknife. There were a lot of proud families and parents there. It was a very nice event.
The Northern Canadian Rangers, Mr. Speaker, also do patrols of remote and isolated areas, and the Junior Canadian Rangers promote traditional cultures and lifestyles through youth activities. Something probably not very well known, Mr. Speaker, this northern presence that we have in the Northwest Territories puts more than $29 million into the northern economy. So I'd like to ask my fellow Members, Mr. Speaker, to join me in acknowledging the contributions of the Canadian Forces in the North, in Canada and, indeed, internationally. Thank you.
---Applause