Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on the Saturday of the past Thanksgiving weekend, Hay River residents awoke to the news of a tragic loss to our community: the death of one of our respected RCMP members, Constable Christopher Worden. As the details came to be known, Hay River residents grieved and looked for ways to express their sorrow, support and condolences. Today I would like to take this opportunity in the House to extend my deepest sympathies to Constable Worden's widow, Jodie, and his baby daughter, Alexis, his family and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police across this country and particularly Constable Worden's colleagues of "G" Division.
We appreciate so much the dedication and commitment of RCMP members who choose to serve and protect our
communities here in the North. This past Monday, a full regimental funeral was held in Constable Worden's hometown of Ottawa, Ontario. I would like to thank our retiring Premier, Joe Handley, and Justice Minister, Brendan Bell, for attending that funeral on our behalf in Ottawa. I know that the loss of Constable Worden will be remembered and he will be honoured in our memories for many, many years. A memorial service will also take place in Hay River when members of our community and those who will join us will take the opportunity to pay our respects to the memory of a very, very fine young man: Christopher John Worden. May he rest in peace. Thank you.