Thank you, Mr. Chairman, colleagues. On March 30, 1995 the Standing Committee on Legislation tabled Committee Report 6-12(7), Report on the Review of the Legislative Discussion Paper on the Draft of the New Education Act. The report has been read into the record. The standing committee was generally very pleased with the direction proposed in the draft legislation. Although some minor revisions and adjustments were anticipated, the committee felt that the foundation for improving education in the north was presented. The committee was especially supportive of the move to vest communities with the additional responsibilities and authorities for education. This will allow community and regional priorities and differences to be reflected in education programming, while maintaining the quality and standards of a core curriculum.

As Members are aware, Bill 25, the proposed new Education Act, has been introduced and the Standing Committee on Legislation is about to embark on its public review of this important bill. This is a responsibility and a challenge that we welcome, Mr. Chairman, and we look forward to a constructive and rewarding review process that will ultimately benefit all residents of the Northwest Territories.