Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A very prominent and distinguished individual from Tuktoyaktuk died peacefully, after suffering a long battle with cancer, on Saturday, February 3, 2007. He was a dedicated father, businessman and, more importantly, a distinguished politician. I am speaking of none other than the late Mr. Vince Steen.
Mr. Speaker, some of my colleagues from the 13th and 14th Assemblies knew Mr. Steen very well. Mr. Steen represented his constituents well in the 13th and 14th Assemblies. During the 14th Assembly, he held the portfolios of Public Works and Transportation.
Mr. Speaker, prior to becoming MLA, Mr. Steen served as hamlet councillor and mayor of Tuktoyaktuk, sat on the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation, hunters' and trappers' committee and was a justice of the peace. These are just a few of his accomplishments since becoming a politician.
Mr. Speaker, after the election of the 15th Assembly, Mr. Steen returned to Tuk to retire. However, being the individual and politician that he was, he ran and was elected to sit as hamlet councillor and board member for the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation and hunters' and trappers' committee until his recent death.
Mr. Steen was a dedicated husband to his wife, Betty, his children Tina, Warren, Shannon, Waylon and Meeka. Mr. Steen loved being out on the land during his breaks, which really wasn't long enough to enjoy because as a politician the well-being of the constituents were foremost in his mind as he represented the people of Nunakput.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, on behalf of my family and constituents, I would like to send condolences to the family of the late Mr. Vince Steen. Our thoughts and prayers are with Betty and her children during this time of sorrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause