March is Aboriginal Languages Month in Canada, and I want to take this opportunity to announce that the government will be signing a new language agreement on Tuesday.

The agreement with Heritage Canada will provide about $18 million in federal funding over a three-year period to support and strengthen aboriginal and French languages in the Northwest Territories. In conjunction with the agreement, a further $2 million is being made available by Parks Canada for initiatives, such as oral histories that support aboriginal culture.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to announce the creation of a community language leader awards program.

The purpose of the program is to recognize individuals and organizations, at the community level, who promote the use of official languages. Nominations for the first awards will be sought in the next few months, after details on the selection criteria have been finalized.

The first recipients of the award will be announced at the beginning of the aboriginal languages month next March.

Mr. Speaker, the government recognizes that use of official languages is fundamental to the operation of good government in the Northwest Territories, by making it possible for the public to understand and benefit from government activities, programs and services.

The establishment of this award program is one way of recognizing the value we place on use of languages in the territories. And the recognition of individuals and organizations is an indication of our belief that language development and revitalization must begin at the community level.

Mr. Speaker, I would like Members to join me in acknowledging the individuals and organizations who have worked hard to promote the use of languages in the Northwest Territories, as well as our interpreters who make it possible to conduct the business of the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause