Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that the adult education class comprising of 27 students from the adult education centre in Rae have come to Yellowknife today to tour the Legislative Assembly and to see what we do here in the Legislature. They are here as part of their social studies and history course. The class is accompanied by three adult education instructors: Linda Leblanc, who is responsible for the community literacy program; Laurie Campbell and Mary Goldsmith, both adult education instructors.

This morning the students had the standard tour of the Legislative Assembly which was followed by a working lunch which involved a presentation on how government legislation or laws are created. The class and instructors are now in the gallery watching our proceedings this afternoon.

Mr. Speaker, learning is an activity which continues throughout a person's life and I am proud to see all these adults returning to school for upgrading and skill acquisition. They understand the importance of an education. Mr. Speaker, the North Slave Region is about to embark on a journey over the next number of years involving the settlement of regional land claims, development of self-government institutions and regional industrial strategy. Mr. Speaker, what these processes really involve is a commitment to bring about a greater degree of political and economic self-reliance for the Dogrib people. This is a very challenging situation and that is why it is so important for our young people to complete school and our adults who did not, to return to school and prepare themselves for the challenge ahead.

Mr. Speaker, these are the challenges at home. However, if we look outside our region to southern Canada and even further to the rest of the world, it is clear that a much higher percentage of the new jobs being created in a more competitive, technology driven economy require a higher education and skill level than was previously the case.

Mr. Speaker, I noticed the clock. Could I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement?