Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had the great honour of attending a function last evening, organized by the NWT Recreation and Parks Association. The event’s focus was to recognize the important work for community groups and individuals that offer support and training for our older population across the Northwest Territories.

Just as importantly, it recognized an active elder in one of our communities who serves to be a role model for his or her community residents. Although there was only one award recipient, there were many nominations for active elders throughout the Northwest Territories and I, too, would like to congratulate them on their nominations and continuing to be active role models for us all.

The NWTRPA has a mission to increase public awareness of recreation and parks, and to enhance the quality of life of the residents of the Northwest

Territories by promoting and supporting the development of recreation, parks services and leadership throughout the North. One way they do this is by continuing to provide the Elders in Motion program. This program aims to improve access to physical activity, opportunities to NWT elders which, as a result, increases their independence and functional mobility in their communities and throughout the Northwest Territories. It also helps enhance the training and support for communities, groups and individuals interested in developing and maintaining an elder fitness group in their hometowns. There is also a focus on traditional activities and I just wanted to make note that the theme for this year’s training is on fall preventions.

The program itself could not be successful without the partnership of others and I would like to recognize the efforts, as well, from the Dene Nation, the NWT Seniors’ Society, our own Department of Health and Social Services and the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, which I will have to commend them on for handing out three awards at last night’s event; one for a Community Leadership Award, a Community Capacity Award, which was our own NWT Rec and Parks Association, and the Community Service Award.

From a program that developed and grew from a small gymnasium in a northern community with a group of elders and the support from the NWT community health representatives association, I am very excited and enthused to hear about the 80 participants from all of the communities across the Northwest Territories that are participating in this week’s training. I’d like all Members to also join me in welcoming them and congratulating them on their achievements. Thank you.