Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, this is a very exciting time of year. Over the past two weeks, graduation ceremonies have taken place at all three Aurora College campuses. Graduation ceremonies have started at schools throughout the Northwest Territories and will continue to take place over the next month.

Each graduation is a significant milestone in a person’s life. We are very proud of NWT graduates and I would like to take a moment to congratulate them on their commitment and dedication. Many have made sacrifices to reach their goals and their efforts go far beyond academics.

While it is too early in the year for me to be able to report on the number of high school graduates, I would like to provide you with some highlights of the Aurora College graduating class of 2007.

I am pleased to note that 2007 marks the 20th year of operations for Aurora Campus in Inuvik.

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Mr. Speaker, this campus maintains a strong working relationship with the Inuvialuit and Gwich’in people, who help fund a variety of programs, including the Natural Resources Technology Program, short-term trades training and safety training. Fifty students graduated from the Aurora Campus in Inuvik.

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I would also like to recognize the 55 graduates from Yellowknife Campus and 31 from Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith. Students have graduated from a variety of programs including Management Studies, Recreation Leadership, Office Administration, Traditional Arts, Nursing and Nurse Practitioners.

Mr. Speaker, our Aurora College graduates this year came from across the Territories including many smaller communities like Tsiigehtchic, Aklavik, Deline, Behchoko, Fort Liard and Fort Resolution. Having students from various communities graduate in a mix of disciplines

shows the college is meeting the needs of a northern society.

Although award ceremonies for many apprenticeship and technical training programs do not coincide with the academic school year, I would also like to recognize the achievements of individuals pursuing careers in trades and occupations at a time when the northern economy is very rich and there is a great demand for skilled workers.

Mr. Speaker, all graduates this year deserve special recognition. However, I would also like to recognize the people who helped them reach their goals. Grads could not be successful without the help of their family and friends who have spent much time devoted to their pursuits. It’s also important to recognize the many teachers and community members who stand behind every graduate. The countless hours they dedicate to the success of grads has helped them achieve their potential.

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Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of all our northern students and ask Members to join me in congratulating them. We all recognize the importance of education and training when creating a strong and skilled workforce. Education has a strong relationship to the health and well-being of society and contributes to greater satisfaction in work, life and community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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