Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to speak a little bit on literacy. I have a little clipping from the newspaper that says that the world illiteracy rate is falling and this is the first time for that. It's good news that more people are able to read and write. We're approaching the end of 1993 and I think the end of a year is a good time to reflect on things that are important. This is a very good time to remember the importance of being able to read and to write, the importance of being able to pick up the newspaper and to read the latest news, the importance of being able to read and understand safety signs around, the importance of being able to write a letter to your mother, your father, or write a note to your grandchildren.
During this session, we've had many reminders about literacy and education programs. I was dismayed to hear from the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment that the drop-out rate in the NWT was as high as 75 per cent. Then, we turn around and we use capital program money to train workers in construction. I find this all pretty discouraging.
Not all of the news is bad, however. In October, during literacy week, I was one of the many people who took part in reading out loud to children in the Panda Mall. A lot of organizations across the NWT held reading and writing events that week. The Literacy Council asked people to read for 15 minutes on October 8 and 7,850 reported that they did. The Literacy Council also held a writing contest across the territories. Last year, they had 400 entries, this year, there were more than 800. These activities are good signs, but literacy is not a once a year thing. It is important not only to learn to read and to write in all of our languages, but it is important to use those skills throughout our lives. The holiday is just around the corner and I have a suggestion for all the Members of this Assembly and all of the people of the territories; this season give a book to a friend, read a book to yourself and share a book with your family. Literacy is a gift for a lifetime. Thank you.
---Applause