Mr. Speaker, the ability to read and use information is a basic skill necessary for students to reach their full potential in school and later in life. Research indicates that the main reason students do poorly in school is a lack of literacy skills. This can prevent them from understanding reading material in other subject areas. This is why increasing literacy levels in the Northwest Territories is one of the top priorities of the department.

There are literacy initiatives in schools across the Northwest Territories and this year Education, Culture and Employment staff are reviewing them to...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that Bill 7, An Act to Amend the Summary Conviction Procedures Act, be read for the third time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

That is what we’re waiting for: input from the general public. We just did an advertisement February 22nd and we have a few weeks to get input and comments from the general public. We did send out letters to stakeholders, as well, to receive their feedback. Until then, I can’t stand up here and say we’re going to recognize every single site, every single event that’s been put out there. Mr. Speaker, that’s why we want to hear from the general public of the Northwest Territories. Let’s hear them out and then I can get back to the Member on what the outcome is on the particular matter. Mahsi, Mr...

Mr. Speaker, once we see the comments and the feedback, then we go back to myself, as the Minister responsible for historical sites and the events that will be before us. Then I’ll certainly review them and get feedback from the committee itself, the ad hoc committee, and just go along with the process and how it’s been done in the past.

This particular hockey that we talked about, the hockey game in the NWT, is one of the events of the Northwest Territories that’s been highlighted here in the House, but at the same time, Mr. Speaker, the federal government does not recognize that particular...

This is a particular area of interest for us. We are open to what the Member can share with us and the public-at-large on how we can improve in our programming. We did commit up to $100,000 last budget to focus on the drug campaign. That’s why we’re driving this awareness in Hay River next month. That’s just one milestone that we’re doing. There are others that the Member is referring to that we can certainly look at. I think the input from the public is greater interest for us, as well, to initiate certain initiatives.

This particular area, whether it be date rape drugs or other drugs, I wouldn’t say most of the communities are aware of it, but some communities are aware. They are somewhat aware of this particular drug that’s out there and other Ecstasy drugs and other hardcore drugs out there. It is a common concern for our Department of Justice, so we continue to work closely with “G” Division. Mr. Speaker, we have a new commanding officer who is very dedicated to community involvement, community initiatives. He’s been in a small community as well, so he’s fully aware of what’s happening in the community...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to recognize two of the hardest-working Pages among the other Pages, as well, from Whati: Janita Bishop and Tracella Romie, and their chaperone Theresa Romie, for coming down here and working for us. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Deh Cho, that Bill 10, Exemptions Act, be read for the third time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled GNWT Response to Committee Report 4-16(4): Report on the Review of the 2007-2008 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner.

That is waiting to be seen, based on the comments and input from the general public-at-large. I certainly cannot make the decision on my own without input from the Northwest Territories.

Mr. Speaker, we have to keep in mind that the Deline First Nation, there was a study commissioned by them and the study doesn’t provide certainty that Deline is the birthplace of hockey in Canada. It was quoted in there. Mr. Speaker, they realize that Deline should be recognized for their important contribution to the history of hockey in Canada and for the strength of hockey culture in the community. So that...