Good evening. Thank you John for those kind words. John and his wife Val are a true example of what is special about this provinceÑitÕs people. They typify the backbone of society in rural Saskatchewan and as friends have eased our transition into the rural Canadian way of life. Thank you also the the other folk  from Moosomin - Kevin and Kara, Don and Colleen who travelled all the way here to share in the celebration. Thank you all for your support and for being here tonight. This is a very special honor. IÕm proud to be a family physician in rural Saskatchewan and proud to be associated with the College of Family Physicians. Thank you Kathy for your warm introduction and to the board of directors who supported my nomination. IÕd like to accept this award on behalf of our group practice and in doing so to thank many people, not least the people of Moosomin and environs. First, thank you to my ex-partner Dr. David Kirsch, who nominated me. David, who is away studying further, started our practice and itÕs in large part due to him that IÕm fortunate to live and work in Moosomin. I must admit I am a little taken aback. As a foreign born graduate growing up in a large city, I never imagined I would settle in a small town on the Canadian prairies. The fur traders of the 19th century named Moosomin for the crossing of the trails, and itÕs ironic that my travels would lead me and my family to settle down here. After graduating in South Africa and working at hospitals there and in England for a few years, an opportunity arose to do a locum in Òsmall townÓ Saskatchewan. When we arrived one August, the weather was perfect, the fields were magnificent and the combines were going flat out. Little did we know or could we imagine, that it would soon be all white and 40 below. And when we drove down the main street in eight seconds flat, my wife Lynn and I turned to each other and asked simultaneouslyÑÓwas that it?ÓWe soon found out that there was more to it than that and after a one-year sojourn in Australia (to add to our list of Commonwealth countries) we returned to settle down in rural Saskatchewan. The supportive friendly community and hospitable culture embraced us and with a thriving dynamic group practice we realized how fortunate we were to be in Moosomin. It was and has been a good fit. Our true rite of passage was when we became hockey parents. With three kids in hockey and skating, we have frequented many arenas in the area and beyond, sampling the local delicacies, selling and buying many 50/50 tickets, and learning to control our emotions when there was a dubious call on the ice. We even tried our own luck on the ice only to dent our pride and break a wrist with a slapshot that wasnÕt.It was easy to get involved with the community and IÕm still amazed at the commitment and passion with which they tackle a challenge. Consider for a moment that the community has to raise a third of the $30 million cost for a new health facility. Many events have been held to raise funds but perhaps none can eclipse the sheer determination of the local hockey teamÑthe Moosomin MooseÑin setting a world record for the worldÕs longest hockey game of 130 hours. I am pleased to say that construction of this facility has recently commenced. Able to feed off this community spirit and to follow SaskatoonÕs lead, we started Moosomin-In-Motion, a program to promote, encourage and facilitate active living at home, in the schools, workplace, and in the community. This continues to go from strength to strength. I know these awards recognize individuals, but please allow me to acknowledge and thank my fellow co-workersÑpartnersÑEtienne Crouse, Schalk van der Merwe, Michael Plewes, and Mercia van Jaarsveld. Etienne is one of the founding members of our practice and as an hardworking, Òbehind the scenesÓ physician has been instrumental, amongt other things, in maintaining the surgical service and planning for the new integrated health care facility. Schalk is passionate about rural health care as he represents us in health district matters. He also co-ordinates our residency program. He also performs anaesthesia and oversees the palliative care service. Mercia keeps the men in their place. She also performs anaesthesia and is very involved in womenÕs health. Everyone with their own special interests and skills brings something to the table and weÕre able to provide comprehensive care to our patients. IÕd also like to acknowledge our health care community which, in my opinion, epitomises model primary heathcare and proves on a daily basis what can be done as a team working together with limited resources. My thanks to our nurses, pharmacists, other allied health care professionals and support staff, and secretaries who we work with to provide care to our patients. WeÕve all worked together against the challenging tide faced by most rural communities of limited service providers, resources and facilities. I am fortunate thus to work in a special community with committed colleagues. IÕm also excited that this award brings attention to a rural area. There are certainly challenges, but equally there are opportunities. One can have a fulfiling and rewarding life and career and I am grateful for what my family and I have been able to share and to experience. Finally, please allow me to say a few words about my family. My closest partner Lynn, who for a designer is a brilliant Òpsychologist.Ó Together we have been fortunate to travel the world, live and work on four continents, and been blessed with three amazing kids along the wayÑMatthew, Alexandra, and Thomas. Despite numerous personal tragedies and sacrifices, her support and understanding is unfaltering. ItÕs because of these four people that IÕm reminded daily of my biggest challenge that, although not always possible, family does come first in Òfamily medicine.Ó Thank you for honoring me, our practice and our community with this award.