Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories strives for excellence in its programs and services. I am pleased to announce that the conference board of Canada selected Qitiqliq School in Arviat as a 1992-93 winner of the national award for excellence in business-education partnerships in the elementary and secondary category...

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...and Arctic College and the NWT tourism training group as a winner in the post-secondary category.

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A community planning team made up of representatives of Qitiqliq School and other partners in Arviat have been developing innovative approaches to secondary programming since 1990 in areas such as trades technologies, business and entrepreneurship, as well as skills for independent living.

In the trades area a local business, Leonard & Associates Ltd, has agreed to participate in partnership with the school to provide students with a mentor, job shadowing and work exposure. Students gain employment skills and practical experience in using tools and equipment. The school has also developed an office management services and local organizations have referred their bookkeeping and secretarial work to the school business program.

Qitiqliq School exemplifies the kind of success we can experience when secondary programs are extended to communities. In 1992 this school graduated 12 students from the grade 12 program. Businesses and other organizations are full partners with Qitiqliq School and the school's accomplishments are a source of community pride.

The winners in the post-secondary category, Arctic College and the NWT tourism training group, have been working together since 1989 in the delivery of tourism training. So far the college has trained over 400 people for the NWT tourism industry, 90 per cent of whom are aboriginal residents.

Programs such as guide training, tourism management and hospitality training are offered as part of tourism training. In partnership with the NWT tourism training group, the college is striving to develop professionalism and quality service in the NWT tourism industry.

I congratulate the community of Arviat, Arctic College and the NWT tourism group for their accomplishments. These two successful partnerships between business and education are achievements we all can be proud of. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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