Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I know each community and region in the NWT have amazing volunteers out there. They are individuals that make things happen for the betterment of our residents.
This year, I would like to recognize three ladies from the Nahendeh that were nominated for the outstanding volunteer award. As you heard me speak earlier today in my Minister's statement, the NWT outstanding youth volunteer was Madison Pilling from Fort Simpson.
Madison has been a volunteer in Fort Simpson for many years with a variety of organizations. She sits on volunteer boards and committees in local hockey, curling, NWT speed skating, and Sport North. Madison has helped organize community events, coaching various sports. To add to this list, she's an active member of the Fort Simpson volunteer fire and ambulance department for over five years, spending many hours taking the ambulance calls and acting as a leader on the fire grounds. In 2021, Madison was named the department's training officer where she designed, trains, and tracks the training of her fellow volunteer members. Madison acts as a role model within her community, and her volunteering efforts have impacted the life of many in Fort Simpson.
Mr. Speaker, Beth Hudson has been recognized by her peers in Fort Simpson for her volunteerism and leadership. And during the 2021 flood that ravaged the community, Beth's contribution helped residents in need get access to food, water, shelter, firewood, among many other necessities. Beth also lends her hands-on approach to mental health support in the community, mentoring youth, volunteering at community events, and hosting archery competitions, both in Fort Simpson and around the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, Vanessa Merceau was born and raised in Fort Simpson and has volunteered in many different facets throughout her life. She was most recently nominated for the NWT volunteer award for the time, effort, and leadership she dedicated to the Fort Simpson volunteer fire and ambulance department. In 2021, Vanessa was promoted to the rank of lieutenant within the department in recognition of her hard work. In this role, Vanessa volunteers her time for training and administrative duties in support of the department in addition to activities providing medical and fire support for emergency calls within the community. Vanessa's dedication to the Fort Simpson fire and ambulance department has been invaluable to the village of Fort Simpson and she makes the lives of residents safer daily.
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour of knowing these three ladies personally. I can say they are amazing individuals and make a difference in everybody's life. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.