The extra time reflects the many artists we have: Tracy Riley, Azure Degrow and Stephen Kakfwi are a few of the well known Weledeh musicians. Our talented photographers include Tessa Macintosh, Fran Hurcomb, Alex Beaudin and Ozgur Culha, to name a few. Christine Bourqe is known for her unique and original fur garment designs. We have Inuit sculptors, potters, jewellry makers, graphic artists, writers such as Jamie Bastedo, who has written many books of various sorts.
Mr. Speaker, our amazing artist community contributes to quality of life and plays a key role in attracting and retaining residents. We do not speak enough about the benefits we have in the North. One is most certainly our arts community. We must continue to increase our investment in our artists. Colleagues, I ask you to please join me in recognizing the talented artists of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi.
Applause.