Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last year the employment division of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment Program held a conference called "Discovering Choices" to encourage an interest in math and science among young women. Workshops included archaeology, garden design, dieting and fitness, wildlife, carpentry and architecture.
The conference was a success, and the participants enjoyed themselves a great deal. This year's conference, which is being held today, holds an added attraction: the guest speaker is Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada's only female astronaut. With a long list of accomplishments in science, Dr. Bondar is an excellent role model for the participants. She has earned a doctorate in neurobiology and a doctor of medicine degree. She was selected as one of six Canadian astronauts in 1983. In January of this year, she flew on the space shuttle "Discovery", where she performed more than forty experiments.
Dr. Bondar will have a great deal to share with the conference participants. I am sure the young women will be interested in learning about the challenges she has faced as a woman pursuing a career in science. For instance, a high school guidance counsellor once asked Dr. Bondar's mother to discourage her from taking math and science because he did not think she could succeed. Fortunately, Dr. Bondar's family supported her decision to continue. During the years she spent as a university student, she also benefitted from the encouragement of a number of women scientists.
I feel that with the proper support, many young women now in the N.W.T. education system can also find interesting and fulfilling careers in science and technology.
Dr. Bondar's trip to the N.W.T. includes Fort Smith and Iqaluit, so students in those communities can also benefit from hearing about her experiences.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, Dr. Bondar will be make a presentation to the Legislative Assembly during coffee break this afternoon. I am sure we all look forward to meeting her, and making her feel welcome in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.
---Applause