Debates of May 14, 2007 (day 6)

Mr. Speaker, on April 19, 2007, youth from across the Northwest Territories participated in the 9th Annual Territorial Skills Competition. Over 100 northern youth were entered into the various competitive events designed to foster careers and trades in technology. I would like to extend congratulations to those who took part, especially those competitors in the worksite safety event.

The worksite safety event involved three parts. Competitors gave an oral presentation on workplace health or safety topic of their choice. They took a written test and were also asked to identify safety hazards at a mock worksite overseen by the Workers’ Compensation Board safety officers. To qualify to compete, the participants first had to take the Safety and the Young Worker Program offered through the Workers’ Compensation Board. This year, there were 12 participants at the territorial level, 11 in the junior category and one in a senior category. The students who participated performed well and I encourage them to return next year.

Across Canada, people are beginning to realize that workplace accidents must not be accepted as part of our working lives. Every workplace injury can be prevented if safety is the first priority. In participating in the worksite safety competition, these youth are not only demonstrating a commitment to workplace safety, they are leading by example and building the foundation for a culture of safety in the next generation of workers in the Northwest Territories.

For proof of this commitment to workplace safety, we need to look no further than our territory's record at the national level where NWT participants have been awarded the gold medal in this category for three of the past six years. I would like to applaud all the youth who participated at the territorial level; in particular Keegan Lower and Peter Boggis who received gold medals in the worksite safety event for the junior and senior categories respectively. Peter Boggis who won the gold in this category at the national competition last year will be once again moving to compete against the best and safest youth of Canada.

I wish him the best of luck and best of luck to the other NWT competitors who are moving on to the National Skills Canada Competition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.