Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is a day for the Irish population worldwide as they celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Big cities and small towns alike celebrate with parades, wearing of the green, music and songs, Irish food and drink and other activities. So why is it celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that that's the day St. Patrick died. Since the holiday began in Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish spread out around the world they took with them their history and celebrations.
Mr. Speaker, this reminds me that we have in the constituency of Inuvik Twin Lakes a small percentage of our ethnic community who are descendants of the Irish. On the humorous side, Mr. Speaker, I too am of Irish descent. Although I may not look it, I am wearing it.
---Laughter
---Applause
Mr. Speaker, my grandfather, Samuel Tyrell, a true Irishman, came to the Mackenzie Delta after the First World War as a surveyor, but remained after he married my Gwich'in grandmother. He became a trapper, and a river is named after him in his honour, just north of Fort McPherson, called Sam's River, which you would be familiar with. My mother who continues to live in Inuvik, prides herself as being a true Irish lady, so I leave this quote by John B. Keane. "I think the Irish woman was freed from slavery by bingo. They can go out now, dressed up, with their handbags, have a drink and play bingo, and they deserve it."
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to wish all the Irish people in my riding of Inuvik Twin Lakes, and the Irish of the Northwest Territories a happy St. Patrick's Day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause