Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that we observe the passing of Mr. Vince Steen, a former Member of the 13th and 14th Legislative Assemblies and a dear colleague to many of us in this House. We extend our deepest condolences and those of the Government of the Northwest Territories to Mr. Steen's family; his partner Betty, sons Warren and Waylon, and daughters Tina, Shannon and Meeka, and to his many friends, and offer them our thoughts and prayers.
Vince was admired as a man who was able to live a traditional lifestyle while maintaining an important political career, locally and territorially.
In his community life in Tuktoyaktuk, he served as mayor, justice of the peace and coroner. Vince also served as chief of the Inuvialuit Land Administration Committee for the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, vice-president of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, chairman of the NWT Game Council, a board member of Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation, a board member of Tuktoyaktuk Hunters' and Trappers' Committee and a member of the federal Fisheries and Oceans Advisory Committee on Whales and Whaling.
Mr. Speaker, we will remember Vince as a man of integrity, honour and commitment; a man not afraid to speak his mind, who offered practical solutions for change and who always considered the impact of his and our government's actions on people in the communities. Vince was a man who wanted to make a positive difference in people's lives. We believe he achieved his goal. His family, his friends and his community should be very proud of him. He will be missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.