I would like to thank the Minister for the response. On behalf of the families of both the pilots in the aviation world and the families of the victims of these crashes, I would like to thank

the Minister for showing eagerness to work towards resolve. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today, in my Member’s statement, I talked about obviously the raft of a lot of tragedies affecting us in our aviation world in the North and obviously the concerns that many of us have in terms of what have we done to recognize or commemorate lost lives in aviation, including the victims of aviation. My question is for the Minister of ITI here. Is there a commitment from this government to work towards the establishment of improving what has been established since 1967 and also the opportunity for the other memorial to be built throughout the North in the next couple of months? Thank you.

: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, there is no denial that this has been a very difficult year in the world of northern aviation. Recent air tragedies and the recent loss of aviation pioneers like Mr. Paul Laserich of Adlair Aviation have made some of Range Lake constituents ask what can be done to remind us of the ongoing contribution of aviation in our communities and to commemorate those who risk their lives for the safety and well-being of others.

Bush Pilots Monument in Yellowknife’s Old Town was established in 1967, dedicated to bush pilots and engineers who lost their lives flying in the Northwest Territories in the 1920s and the 1930s. Although the contribution of these individuals should not be marginalized, the Northwest

Territories has yet to formally establish a permanent memorial for those who have lost their lives since. It is sad to say, but 44 years have passed for the Bush Pilots Monument, and apart from a new plaque in 1999 and the maintenance by the City of Yellowknife, we, as a territory, have done very little to commemorate our fallen northern aviation heroes.

For the record, there are no other official aviation memorial sites in the Northwest Territories. However, we know that the Government of the Northwest Territories is allocating upgrades to the Norman Wells float base that is to include an aviation museum. Therefore, I ask this government why an aviation memorial could not also be incorporated during these upgrades. It would seem simple, but as Northerners who depend so much on aviation travel, wouldn’t we agree that having multiple aviation memorial sites throughout our land would be the proper way to deal with respect? Many think so, including the constituents of Range Lake.

Mr. Speaker, as a resident of the North, I am always concerned why it takes a series of public tragedies for one to reflect on why something has not been done correctly. Therefore, in the spirit of respect and moving forward, I ask that this government look at formally establishing permanent memorials for our northern aviation pilots and for those aviation victims who have sacrificed their lives since 1967. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Premier and I’ll ask him this: when will we be seeing a meeting with all three territorial Premiers? They should be brought together to discuss common issues such as our economy, our infrastructure, our health and northern Aboriginal affairs. How can we speak as one voice, as a solid northern voice for the rest of Canada, Mr. Speaker?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to say welcome to recently re-elected Mr. Todd Parsons, Mary Lou Cherwaty, Amanda Mallon, Ann

Costache, Yvonne Quick. I’m sorry if I’ve missed people from behind I can’t see.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the people of Range Lake for trusting me with their confidence to represent them in the 17th Assembly.

More importantly, I would like to thank my wife, Cindy, and my two boys Tanner and Bronson, for sacrificing much time and energy during the electoral process. It is never an easy journey to get here, believe me.

As a pharmacist, I have been serving the needs of health care for thousands and thousands of Northerners for almost two decades and I have been honoured to do so. My commitment to being amongst you here today is to serve to the best of my ability the people of Range Lake, but more importantly, all the people of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi cho.