Good afternoon, colleagues.
Members, before we begin today – in addition to wishing you all a happy Valentine’s Day…
…I am going to beat Norman to the punch this year. I would like to send a special Valentine’s Day wish to my wife, Jenny, mother of my children, my best friend, my life partner. Thank you for your love and care, your patience – she’s got a lot of patience with me doing my job – and also for being an amazing mother to our children. I am only able to do the work because I have my wife’s support, Mr. Speaker. I know she cares. Happy Valentine’s Day to my wife, Jenny.
Back home up in Tuk, John and Mabel Noksana, John and Mabel, it’s their anniversary today. So happy anniversary to John and Mabel, and happy Valentine’s Day.
---Applause
I would like to draw your attention to the Canadian flags that are on your desks. Tomorrow, February 15th , is National Flag of Canada Day.
It was on February 15, 1965, that the first red and white Canadian flag, with its distinctive maple leaf, flew proudly over Parliament Hill.
Our Canadian flag is recognized all over the world as the flag of a people who cherish the ideals of democracy, freedom and respect.
I know we don’t see any maple trees in this part of Canada, but we proudly fly our Canadian flag all across the Northwest Territories as a symbol of our unity with all Canadians.
Please join me, colleagues, celebrating Flag Day for the great country we live in.
Item 2, Ministers’ statements. The honourable Minister for Industry, Tourism and Investment, Mr. Ramsay.