Colleagues, I want to share a personal story from Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Five of my seven children were home in Fort Simpson for the week before Christmas. My daughter Jenny asked if we could all go out for lunch at the Pandaville. After a few questions, I agreed, and fifteen of us invaded the restaurant. After a wonderful meal and conversation, two plates of fortune cookies arrived. I opened mine first. It said something about a small, sweet thing that would steal my heart soon. I didn't think much of it. Then Grace opened hers and started to cry. She shared it with me: Get ready to spoil a new little one, baby Stroeder 2026.
This exciting news brought tears to the table, and it marks Grace's and mine 11th grandchild: Mason, Jacob, Paige, Brady, Scott, Logan, Adele, Ezra, Aurelia, Rhett, and now this new baby in 2026.
This moment made me reflect on the profound importance of grandchildren and how lucky we are. Today, I rise for a Member's statement on this gift.
Our grandchildren bring profound joy and purpose, weaving three generations together with love, wisdom, and unbreakable bonds that draw families closer. This remind us of life's renewal, letting us pass on our experiences while witnessing theirs unfold. I love the fact that our grandchildren offer unconditional love that boasts our emotional well-being and reduces loneliness. We see them build self-esteem, resilience, and a safe space to confide their challenges.
As grandparents, along with their parents, we instill values, share family stories, and pass down cultural heritage, sharing their identity and moral compass. In turn, our grandchildren keep us active, sharing fresh perspectives that sharpen our minds and extend our vitality. I have heard other grandparents' joke, If we'd known how much fun grandchildren are, we'd have had them first. I've come to realize our children gave us the joy of grandparenting through the adventures they took us on.
In closing, I thank my children for these amazing gifts and look forward to many more. As I told Grace, we're now into double digits now so we can look for another eight or more.
Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery.