Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, later today I will table the Youth Smoking in the NWT: Descriptive Summary for Smoking Behaviour Among Grades 5 to 9 Students report. This is a summary of findings from the NWT School Tobacco Survey, The first survey was conducted in 1982 and is carried out every four to five years. The purpose of the report is to monitor youth smoking behaviour and related issues.
Mr. Speaker, Youth Smoking in the NWT: Descriptive Summary for Smoking Behaviour Among Grades 5 to 9 Students reflects Health and Social Services ongoing efforts to curb smoking initiation rates at a young age.
The NWT School Tobacco Survey was made possible with assistance from the students in grades 5 to 9, their teachers, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and the regional education authorities.
Mr. Speaker, the report shows a number of positive results, The prevalence of youth smoking declined considerably from 1982 to 2006. The downward trend could be attributed to changing attitudes towards smoking as a result of our anti-smoking programs such as the Don’t be a Butthead campaign.
Some highlights of the reports include:
Over the past 25 years, fewer youth have tried smoking or currently smoke.
The overall prevalence of smoking among 10 to 14 year olds is declining: a 19 percent decrease in the prevalence of youth smoking over the past seven years.
Tobacco awareness programs are undertaken on a school-wide basis to educate all students about the adverse affects of tobacco use, Ninety-six percent of students in the NWT reported receiving some type of smoking-related education during the past school year.
Mr. Speaker, wellness is a basic goal identified in our Foundation for Change strategic document. Tobacco use is a common predisposition to many chronic diseases which diminishes one’s quality of life over time. Tobacco reduction is a personal responsibility. Health and Social Services supports quitting through education efforts. Tobacco use is addictive, it is easier to avoid use at the beginning than trying to quit in the end.
We encourage communities, families and individuals to make healthy choices. When residents choose to never start smoking, they are meeting this goal.
Mr. Speaker, this Youth Smoking in the NWT: Descriptive Summary of Smoking Behaviour Among Grades 5 to 9 Students is available in printed format from the Department of Health and Social Services and is posted on their website, I would like to invite everyone to take a look, Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Ms. Lee. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.
MINISTER’S STATEMENT 59-16(4):
OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AND
Mr. Speaker, across the Northwest Territories there are many school administrators who are leaders in their communities and who work hard to ensure that teachers, students and school staff have the resources they need to be successful, They all deserve our gratitude, and today I have the opportunity to highlight the work of two such leaders.
I am very proud of the fact that two administrators from Sir Alexander Mackenzie School in Inuvik are being honoured with national awards for their leadership. This year Janette Vlanich is being recognized as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals by the Learning Partnership for the difference she makes in the lives of students and the community of Inuvik. While there are many reasons to celebrate Janette, of particular importance is her work helping to develop a successful literacy program and supporting aboriginal languages and culture in the community, Her membership in this year’s select group of 32 outstanding educational leaders serves as an inspiration to her peers not only across the Northwest Territories, but across Canada.
Even as Janette is being recognized as one of the outstanding principals, Jason Dayman, vice-principal of Sir Alexander Mackenzie School, is being honoured by the Canadian Association of Principals with the National Herff Jones Vice-Principal of the Year Award. Jason is driven by a strong belief that culturally relevant programming helps students achieve success in school. While at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School, he’s committed himself to developing a permanent culture camp for students and fostering strong relationships with community elders, creating opportunities for them to share their knowledge with students, He has also worked in partnership with Parks Canada and the Department of Fisheries developing on-the-land programs for students. With his big boat and skidoos, he has facilitated many rich learning opportunities for these young people.
I want to thank Janette and Jason for their leadership and commitment to excellence and congratulate them to the honours they are receiving. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Premier, Mr. Roland.
