Qujannamiik. Mr. Speaker, recently, I had the pleasure of speaking to several hundred teachers from Yellowknife and across the Territories at the opening of their annual professional development conference in Yellowknife. The role of teachers in delivering educational programs is essential. As I said in the House last fall, Mr. Speaker, teachers make a difference. Teachers are the people who go into the classroom day after day--the ones who take the curriculum, the policies and the directives developed by the department and make them work. They are the ones who address the particular needs of students and parents on an on-going basis. Teachers must balance the competing challenges of school life and still make sure that students learn what they need to learn.
Every day of teachers' professional lives have a tremendous impact on students--how they see themselves right now and the people they will become in the future. Teachers make a difference by helping students reach their potential. Teachers provide students with an opportunity to gain the skills and attitudes required to live successfully in the 21st century. Teachers make a difference by assisting students to set goals and prepare for life-long learning.
Mr. Speaker, I have met many teachers across the NWT, and have been impressed by the high level of professionalism and dedication they bring to their work. The role of teachers is an important reminder for all of us why we do what we do: to help the people of the Territories work towards their dreams, to help them develop the skills they need to build the future they want. The Northwest Territories Teachers' Association handed out buttons with the slogan, "Teachers Make a Difference," in both English and Inuktitut at last week's conference. As a way to let the public demonstrate their support for the work the teachers do, the buttons will be distributed across the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, courtesy of the NWTTA and Ms Pat Thomas who is in the gallery with us today. I have had these buttons set on each Member's desk. I hope that they will wear one proudly and join me in recognizing the important role that teachers play in our northern society. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause