Good morning, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, in June of this year, communities throughout the Northwest Territories honoured their high school graduates. At the time these events were taking place, members of education authorities and educators told me that this was a banner year in terms of the number of students meeting graduation requirements. Now that the official numbers are in, I can confirm that, indeed, graduation levels were higher during the 2004-2005 academic year than they have ever been.

For reporting purposes, graduates are counted as of September 30th each year. During the past year, there were 343 high school graduates in the Northwest Territories. This is an increase of more than 50 graduates over last year and, based on preliminary population figures, represents a graduation rate of 51 percent. Previously, the highest rate for graduation in the NWT was 45 percent.

It is important to note that the increase is primarily the result of more students graduating in our smaller communities. In 2004, communities outside of Yellowknife, in the regional centres of Hay River, Fort Smith and Inuvik, produced 69 graduates. That number increased to 107 in 2005. Legislators, educators and administrators can be proud that the actions that have been taken to enhance community-based education activities and to complete grade extensions are resulting in more students accessing high school programs and completing their studies.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to note that the number of aboriginal graduates from our schools has increased substantially. In 2000, 30 percent of all graduates in the NWT were aboriginal. This year, 49 percent of all graduates in the Northwest Territories were aboriginal.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the students, their families, educators and education authorities in the Northwest Territories on their successful effort. Their collective contributions have demonstrated how commitment and hard work can pay off.

I look forward to working together with our partners to build on the successes of the 2004-2005 academic year and to continue to improve and strengthen the results of the school system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause