Statement made on 09 December 2010 by Senator Charlie Watt
Hon. Charlie Watt:
[Editor's Note: Senator Watt spoke in Inuktitut.]
Honourable senators, today I would like to pay tribute to Johnny May, the first Inuk pilot in the Eastern Arctic Region. Recently, Johnny received the great honour of being inducted into the Québec Air and Space Hall of Fame.
His career started at the youthful age of 17 when he received his flying licence. He credits traditional knowledge of the land, ice and sea with his success and long career. Cheating death, saving lives and defying the harsh conditions of the northern climate is just a regular daily occurrence.
Over the years, he has provided commercial service, flown the medevac and conducted search and rescue missions. Today, he is still flying at 65 years of age. There are stories about flying at night without proper equipment, narrow escapes through the cockpit window, and witnessing many babies being brought into the world.
When I was an adventurous young man, I used to find myself in some interesting situations with Johnny. During the James Bay and Northern Quebec negotiations, I relied on Johnny to get me out of some pretty tight spots. We had our days flying in and out of isolated communities, long before any runways existed in the North.
He has always been an exceptional bush pilot. He never hesitated to get up in the middle of the night to make emergency flights and deliver essential supplies to remote communities under the most challenging conditions.
His plane is known as "Santa's sled" because every Christmas, he showers the community of Kuujjuaq with candies for the children and other valued gifts of parkas and clothing. His presence and service to the Inuit over the past 48 years has been extraordinary. He is an exceptional role model and a very dear friend. Today, I would like to congratulate him and, on behalf of the Inuit of Nunavik, say thank you very much.
[Editor's Note: Senator Watt spoke in Inuktitut.]