Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I won't even try to top that statement.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce to the Members, a program that has been running in Iqaluit for the past six years. The program is found world-wide and it's called *The Duke of Edinburgh Award." It has proven to be a program that has helped kids stay in school.
In Iqaluit, it is offered through the Terry Fox program at Inuksuk High School. There are three levels of difficulty, and to achieve the award requires participation in four main areas: learning new skills; competing in regular physical activity; participating in community service; and, going on a three-day outdoor expedition.
Mr. Speaker, this program is introduced at the high school level in the Terry Fox program, and has proven to be a key motivator in helping the students achieve both academic and vocational success. Every year, about a dozen Terry Fox program students earn the award and, in 1994, three of the students were flown here to Yellowknife to be presented the award by the Duke himself.
The teacher who introduced the program is a well-known, long-time northerner, Nick Newbery. Mr. Newbery has spent many hours of his own time to ensure the success of the Duke of Edinburgh Award and must be congratulated for his dedication and service to the youth of Iqaluit.
I am proud to have been invited to present the Duke of Edinburgh Award later next month in Iqaluit and would invite Members to contact me for more information about this most useful program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.