Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. Mr. Speaker, the months of May and June are a popular time to celebrate educational achievement as students graduate from high schools, post-secondary institutions and various technical training programs.

Graduation ceremonies have been taking place throughout the NWT, where achievement is formally acknowledged and grads given awards for their achievements in academics, athletics, fine arts, leadership and community involvement. I have had the pleasure of attending graduation ceremonies this spring in Inuvik and Fort Resolution. I will be attending ceremonies in Fort Simpson on June 3rd and Tulita on June 9th.

Whether they have won awards or not, each and every student who has successfully completed their programs should be exceptionally proud. We celebrate completion of high school, adult literacy and basic education, apprenticeship or post-secondary certificate, diploma and degree programs. Graduation from these programs is a significant marker in the journey of lifelong learning and takes hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Over the years, high school graduation rates have steadily increased across the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, in 2005, the high school graduation rate was above 50 percent for the first time ever.

---Applause

This year, Mr. Speaker, compared to last, there are almost double the number of students registered to write diploma exams. This suggests growth will continue.

During 2005-06, there has been a 34 percent increase in the number of students enrolled in Grade 12 in small communities. The results of grade extensions are evident in high school completion rates as well as by increased post-secondary student enrolment at Aurora College, with 610 full-time students and 5,734 part-time students for 2005-06.

At the college, we saw the first graduates to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in the Northwest Territories. These NWT graduates bring a high calibre of skill and the added bonus of a northern perspective to patients and to people they serve.

I also would like to congratulate the graduates of the Office Administration Program. Delivery of this program was made possible through a unique partnership between Aurora College, the Mine Training Society and industry, including BHP Ekati, De Beers and Diavik.

Although award ceremonies for many apprenticeship and technical training programs do not coincide with the academic school year, I would like to recognize the achievements of individuals pursuing careers in the trades and occupations at a time when the economic landscape of the North has never seen a greater demand for a skilled workforce.

Adult Learning and Basic Education Program completion ceremonies will be held at Yellowknife Campus and Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith on June 9th. Yellowknife Campus will recognize the achievements of 20 ALBE students, 17 Access students and 14 students from the Literacy Outreach Centre. Thebacha Campus will celebrate the accomplishments of 13 pre-technology and 33 ALBE students. At Aurora Campus in Inuvik, an ALBE completion ceremony on June 16th will honour 40 ALBE students. ALBE completion ceremonies will also be held in many community learning centres throughout the NWT. We hope many of these students will choose to continue pursing their studies; or they may enter into the workforce with the confidence that comes with graduation.

I would also like to take a moment to recognize the network of support behind every successful graduate. This includes:

family members and relatives who often ensure students have enough sleep, food and give that extra little push and support when times get tough;

community members who volunteer their time to assist in classrooms, with school teams and trips as members of our district education boards and authorities;

teachers who dedicate themselves to encouraging each student to become the best they can be and promote the advantages of being open to learning;

adult educators and college staff who understand the special pressures adult students face while realizing their educational goals; and

community leaders who, through their public support of education and training, highlight the value of education and celebrate the success of those participating in programs.

We can all be proud of our northern students and their success. Each of them will help the NWT realize its full potential as they realize their own.

Mr. Speaker, I invite Members of the Legislative Assembly to join me today in applauding the achievements of our students. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause