Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, yesterday evening I had the pleasure of serving as a

judge for the public speaking contest at St. Joseph's School in Yellowknife South. Students from grades four, five and six made public speeches on a variety of subjects, everything from the future, pollution to subjects like tigers and jet planes, including one called "My Dog Rudy." Madam Speaker, I don't think I could have found a better way to spend two and half hours than to be there to listen to those young people practising public speaking.

Because I was a judge, I had to be critical and I had a list from which I had to award points for a variety of things from effectiveness of opening, subject material, choice of words, clearness of speech, grammatical accuracy, posture, gestures and, of course, effectiveness of endings. Not only did I enjoy being there, but I also learned quite a bit. I watched these young people performing their role in speaking on a subject of their choice and I marvelled at the talent that was going to come out of that contest and the preparation that these young people are undertaking through their teachers and the contest for their future in public life.

I just wanted to congratulate them for their efforts.

Not only did they learn, but I also learned quite a bit from them. I learned a few things not only from the subject matter but on how to public speak from them. I invited them to come over to the Assembly some day to watch their Members and maybe give some points to us on our performances. The contest will continue for the rest of the week as we get into the senior grades. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause