Please be seated. I see the rules of the House have changed a bit here.
---Laughter
I wonder what item on the agenda that would have been. Thank you very much. It's certainly an honour to become a senior on Sunday. I shall be officially a senior.
---Applause
And now back to work. Monsieur le president, madams et monsieurs les deputes, madams et monsieur, et amis.
Even though it's a short time since I last met with you, many notable things have happened. I welcomed royalty to Canada on your behalf and I am looking forward to a very special guest visiting us here in the North.
This past weekend, I have had the pleasure and the honour of representing you in Calgary and in Edmonton during the visit of Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex. Their Royal Highnesses were in Calgary and Edmonton celebrating with young Canadians who received the Duke of Edinburgh Award. I was especially proud to be in their company at the ceremony as two northerners were presented with their distinguished medals. Greg Reardon of Fort Providence and Scottie Monteith of Iqaluit were awarded the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Medal. As well, bronze Duke of Edinburgh
Awards medals were presented to other members. We were also invited to a reception and gave a first-class presentation to Their Royal Highnesses about their home community.
As you know, the Duke of Edinburgh Award is a self-development program available to all young people. It equips them with life skills to make a difference for themselves, their communities and their country. The program works to develop self-esteem, self-reliance and leadership in young Canadians by encouraging and awarding their accomplishments. It is not easily won, but takes dedication, commitment and lots and lots of hard work. On behalf of all northerners, I would like to commend and to congratulate Greg, Scottie and Trevor on their excellent achievements.
---Applause
You have made your families, your friends, your communities and, indeed, all northerners, very proud.
I mentioned earlier that I was looking forward to welcoming a special guest to the North. I am very pleased to inform you that Their Excellencies the Governor General of Canada Michaelle Jean and her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond will conduct their first visit to the Northwest Territories this month. Their five-day visit will include Yellowknife, Fort Simpson and the Nahanni National Park. The Governor General will be here to celebrate National Aboriginal Day and to have discussions with women's groups, youth and the aboriginal community. I am sure you will look forward to warmly welcoming Their Excellencies to our territory as I do.
Sadly, in the last few days, we have lost a cherished friend and wise leader. Former Chief Joe Migwi passed away recently in his home community of Behchoko. Chief Migwi was a respected elder who guided his people through many of the transitions. One of his proudest moments came when, as a member of the Tlicho Elders Advisory Council, he was present in the House of Commons in Ottawa for the passing of Bill C-14, the historic Tlicho Agreement that will shape the future of his people for generations to come. We offer our deepest sympathy to Chief Migwi's family and people. He will be truly missed.