Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is good to be making a statement again today. My colleagues have just shared that they were missing me. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak on the importance of religious education. When the new Education Act was introduced in 1995, the section on spirituality and religion was one of the most controversial sections under the former act, there was a provision for religious instruction as part of the school program. This provision was removed in response to concerns that it violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

There was an overwhelming response from communities all across the north. They felt the new act would take away the opportunity to provide doctrine-based religious instruction through the schools. The legality of the issue prevailed and references to religion were removed and references to instruction in spiritual values and beliefs was put in place.

Concerned residents across the north addressed the Standing Committee on Legislation during the public hearings on the development of the new Education Act. The presentation by Reverend Robertson, the representative of the Anglican/Roman Catholic Christian Assemblies, Community Baptist and Lutheran churches in Inuvik, May 8, 1995, discussed the importance of religious education. The concern of the church members was not so much with what is included in the new act, but what has been left out. I quote:

"From the beginning, the Government of the NWT has always been concerned with the developing of the whole person; the mind, the body and the soul. This is evident in three ways: the rising academic standards; the inclusion of cultural programs; and the written provision for religious instruction in all schools, not just denominational schools. It is our concern that the written provision for religious instruction is not provided for in the new act and could lead to elimination of religious instruction in public schools."

Mr. Speaker, my constituency in Hay River is particularly concerned about the elimination of religious instruction in the public schools, specifically the Princess Alexandra and Harry Camsell schools. There is unwavering support from the Town of Hay River, the Hay River District Education Authority, the Hay River Ministerial Association and the parents of Hay River for the continuance of spiritual classes.

Mr. Speaker, I am only talking about one-half hour to forty-five minutes a week of spiritual education. No child would be required to attend or would have their beliefs offended in any way. The instruction will be in either the Catholic or Protestant faith, depending on what the parents want.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.