Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share some good news with you about education results from the 2005-2006 year and enrolment for this school year.

We have our high school graduation numbers for this past year and, Mr. Speaker, the results are excellent. Overall, our graduation numbers are up from 343 in 2005 to 359 this year. This includes an increase in the number of both aboriginal and non-aboriginal graduates. For the first time, Mr. Speaker, the number of aboriginal graduates is higher than the number of non-aboriginal graduates, moving towards a more accurate reflection of our total school population. Additionally, the number of graduates is up in our smaller communities, our regional centres and in Yellowknife.

Our students are succeeding beyond high school as well. Our overall enrolment numbers at Aurora College have increased and the number of northerners working towards a skilled trade remains strong. Additionally, over 1,400 northern students are currently accessing student financial assistance in order to complete a diploma, certificate or degree.

We are seeing increasing numbers of adult northerners returning to the classroom, including many who began with low literacy skills. Since 2001, there has been an increase in Aurora College adult literacy and basic education students successfully completing Grade 12 departmental exams.

At the NWT literacy awards at the beginning of this month, I presented the Council of the Federation Literacy Award on behalf of the Premier. The award went to Cindy Voudrach of Inuvik, a single mother of three. Two years ago, when her oldest child entered kindergarten, Cindy enrolled in an adult literacy and basic education, ALBE, program at Aurora College in Inuvik. Cindy completed the equivalent of nine years of schooling in just two years and is now ready for post-secondary education. She has become a role model for northerners and a great spokesperson for literacy. Cindy has also inspired her niece to return to school. Cindy’s story is inspiring because she is achieving everything that is intended for adult learning programs. She will encourage many others in her community to continue their education.

Mr. Speaker, with examples like that set by Cindy, our overall education results and growing enrolments, we are making significant improvement in education levels. We still have a lot to do to prepare northerners for future labour market needs, but the numbers show that many more are working to develop their potential.

I congratulate all northerners who have taken up the challenge of pursing further education and particularly those who have graduated in the past year. I hope they will serve as role models and inspiration for others in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time as well to acknowledge the important contribution made by parents, families, friends, educators and others who support our students. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Ministers’ statements. Colleagues, before I go on to the next item on the agenda, I would like to call your attention to the presence in the gallery of Mr. Hans Driesser and his wife, Marijki. Mr. Driesser is Consul General for the Netherlands and he’s here visiting Yellowknife for the first time.

---Applause