Thank you Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform this House that over the noon hour today I took part in the launch of a new book. The Northern Circumpolar World has just been published as a resource for the Grade 7 Social Studies curriculum. I have distributed copies to each of you, and hope you will take time to look through this attractive and interesting new book.

The Northern Circumpolar World tells the story of a group of students travelling around the top of the world. Through their story, the book presents information on land forms, climate, flora and fauna, history and economy. It also provides information on northern peoples and their lifestyles, the challenges they face and the links they have forged with one another. An accompanying teacher's guide has also been published.

The Northern Circumpolar World is the result of a unique partnership among author Bob MacQuarrie, Reidmore Books and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

Mr. MacQuarrie is uniquely qualified to write this kind of book. As a long-time northern educator, he understands the needs of students and teachers. As a former Member, and Speaker of this Assembly, he has a thorough understanding of government and circumpolar issues. Mr. MacQuarrie has already developed a civics course for northern schools.

Reidmore Books brought to the project an impressive track record of designing attractive, interesting textbooks and multi-media titles. Mr. Speaker, I would like to note that Reidmore is paying the cost of designing, printing, and distributing the book. This government will be receiving a royalty for any books sold outside the Northwest Territories.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment initiated the project and played a continuing role throughout. The Department undertook the project in response to some concerns of NWT teachers about the Social Studies curriculum.

Although the book was designed for NWT students, it has generated a lot of interest in southern Canada, and in other countries that make up the circumpolar world. I shared copies of the publication with provincial Ministers of Education last week and they were all very impressed.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident The Northern Circumpolar World will increase people's understanding of northern Canada, and our northern neighbours. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause