Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to report to the House on the Inuit "Spirit of the Arctic" pavilion being featured at this summer's Canadian National Exhibition. I'm pleased to report that the official announcement of the Inuit as the feature pavilion at the 1995 Canadian National Exhibition will be made April 20th at the annual general meeting of the CNE in Toronto. As part of this public announcement, throat singers and drum dancers will perform, and products manufactured across Nunavut will be displayed.
Mr. Speaker, feature pavilions at the CNE in past years have historically generated between $2 million and $4 million in direct sales of products. In addition, spin-off businesses, such as new distribution arrangements for products, have delivered a further future business to participants.
I would like to state that I am very pleased that the Honourable John Todd has seen fit to support this worthwhile project with a very generous contribution of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
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I trust that other departments will also take advantage of this opportunity to support the project, through their own existing programs or by offering services in kind and artifacts to the organizers. For example, our Department of Personnel offers summer employment for many students. The CNE offers unparalleled on-the-job training experience working in service industries such as restaurants and retail. I am hopeful that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and federal programs can help bring these job experiences to the Inuit youth, while at the same time ensuring a significant Inuit presence in the pavilion.
I understand that the event organizers are proposing pre-event seminar training sessions and a mentorship program to team Inuit youth with experienced service industry personnel. Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.