Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, throughout the Northwest Territories we have many organizations and volunteers who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others. As a government, we do what we can to support the needs of our people. Above and beyond that, non-government organizations, service groups and volunteers contribute work and results of immeasurable value. In Hay River this past Saturday night, we again saw a vivid demonstration of that dedication to communities. Each year, for the past 20 years, the Hay River Knights of Columbus have hosted a lobster fest. Hundreds of live lobsters from the East Coast are flown in, courtesy of Canadian North for the last leg of their trip from Edmonton to Hay River, and are prepared, boiled and cooked by volunteers. This year again, around 700 people attended. The Knights of Columbus have this down to a science. Everyone was served a delicious four course meal in 42 minutes serving time. This in itself is a remarkable feat. Over the past 20 years, the Knights of Columbus have not only provided a wonderful opportunity for people to get together for lobster, entertainment and dancing, they have, in doing so, been able to contribute approximately $300,000 to youth programs in our communities. This year again, the students and staff volunteers of the Diamond Jenness Secondary School were able to showcase their talents as they delivered an outstanding song and dance ensemble called, "The History of Rock and Roll." Following that, dancing to the tune of a live band made sure that everyone worked off a little bit of that delicious meal.
I would like to recognize and thank all of the volunteers and corporate sponsors. There is one person, however, who has been there every year for all 20 consecutive years and, to my mind, is a key contributor to the success of this event. This person is my constituent and my honourable colleague from Hay River North, Mr. Paul Delorey.
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I would ask, Mr. Speaker, yourself and my colleagues in this House to recognize this as a testament to exemplary community service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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