Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. The NWT Power Corporation is proud of its record in encouraging the development of a northern work force through apprenticeship and operator training programs. These training programs benefit employees and customers through better efficiency, safety and reliability. Four years ago, in addition to its own training, the corporation started a scholarship program to assist NWT residents pursuing further education.

Today, it is my pleasure to announce that two scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded to young people enrolled in business/computer sciences and mechanical engineering. The first is awarded in consultation with the Dogrib Divisional Board of Education. It goes to Ms. Gaeleen MacPherson of Yellowknife. She is pursuing a diploma in business/computer sciences at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta.

The other scholarship is awarded by the corporation to an NWT high school graduate with an outstanding average in Grade 12 examinations. This year the award goes to Mr. Michael Bill of Iqaluit. He is pursuing a diploma in engineering technology at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

I would like to thank the Members of the Assembly who helped promote this scholarship in their constituencies and extend the best wishes of this Assembly and the NWT Power Corporation to Ms. MacPherson and Mr. Bill. Thank you.

--Applause