Mr. Speaker, today as we begin our sessions, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the victims of the devastating plane crash that took the lives of six extraordinary people last month in Fort Smith. They were taken from their loved ones too soon, in a sudden accident that has shaken the Northwest Territories to its very core. That flight to Diavik was carrying some of the North's best and brightest. Many on board had their whole lives ahead of them. They all had so much love to give, and they were not ready to say good-bye. Their passing impacts everyone across the North in many different ways. Words alone cannot express how shaken I was when I heard the news. I know when we all first heard, we were praying for a different outcome. Sadly, the worst turned out to be true. So many across the North travel safely every day from community to community, from home to work and back again, never expecting something so tragic to happen.

Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are especially with the families of the victims and the survivors of this disaster. I hope that the families and loved ones of the deceased find all the comfort and healing they need during this very difficult time. I know that their communities are pulling together to offer love and support, and it moves me very deeply in addition to the work of the communities. Both private and public resources have been made available to support those who are suffering in the aftermath of the crash.

I want to say mahsi cho to all of the first responders involved who worked tirelessly to save as many lives as they could, and I am sure they are haunted by the scene they came across that day. I also want to extend my thoughts to the colleagues of the deceased and all the mine workers across the NWT who are shocked by this accident. To those continuing to travel and to work from, their best efforts are always in place to ensure your safety.

This investigation will produce a vital insight into how we can improve air transportation in the North. I thank all those who are helping others to grieve and heal. These dark times are bringing out the best in all of us to show how strong and resilient our communities truly are.

Before I conclude, Mr. Speaker, I've been very moved by my constituents' tributes to the late Diane Balsillie and her family from Fort Resolution. So much love for her has poured in since the accident. She was flying out that day to work as a long-time employee.