Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this week has been designated Literacy Week across the Northwest Territories. It provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the importance of literacy in our lives and the role it plays in strengthening our society. In this age of economic, social and political change; literacy means more than the basic ability to read and write. Literacy skills include a person's ability to understand and use information. These skills are essential in a world where daily living requires complex thinking and communication skills.

The importance of a literate society can be measured in terms of people's ability to find jobs and their success in the workplace, participation in further education and training opportunities or active participation in the social and cultural life of communities. Our ability to maintain and support our cultural traditions is also linked directly to literacy. The ability to read and write in aboriginal languages ensures that these languages remain vital and have a valid place within northern society. Literacy is an issue that requires the attention and support of all northerners. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has developed partnerships with the colleges, community-based organizations, business and industry and the federal government to deliver a variety of projects across the Northwest Territories. This year, these partnerships have supported the delivery of more than 50 projects through the Community Literacy Projects fund, the Workplace Education program and the Aboriginal Languages Literacy program. With the support of the National Literacy Secretariat, both Aurora College and Nunavut Arctic College are involved in the delivery and support of literacy projects as well.

Another important partner is the NWT Literacy Council. The Literacy Council is playing an increasingly important role in developing and maintaining links among literacy practitioners across the Northwest Territories and in providing support to communities in the development of sustainable literacy programming. Every year during Literacy Week, the NWT Literacy Council sponsors the "Read for 15" challenge. Residents across the NWT are invited to read for 15 minutes, and then phone the NWT Literacy Council to record their participation. Schools, the colleges, community groups and individuals all take part. Last year, thousands of people took up the challenge. Today is the day the "Read for 15" challenge is being held this year. I would, therefore, like to issue a friendly challenge to all Members of this Assembly to read for 15 minutes, then call the Literacy Council here in Yellowknife, or alternatively, a school or learning centre in your home community to ensure your participation is recorded.

On behalf of the government, I would like to commend the hard work and dedication shown by both literacy learners and practitioners in their commitment to a more literate society in the Northwest Territories.