Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. On December 17th , the Attagoyuk Ilisavik School will open in the community of Pangnirtung. This opening marks the result of an impressive cooperation between the community, staff of the Baffin Divisional Education Council, the Government of the Northwest Territories and several northern contractors.

As this House knows, Mr. Speaker, the school in Pangnirtung was lost in a tragic fire during the winter of 1996. The facility, which was being renovated at the time, was completely gutted. While the loss was devastating, quick thinking in the community resulted in very little disruption to the school program. Displaced students were accommodated in several locations, including Nunavut Arctic College's Community Learning Centre. Schooling continued with strong support from the Baffin Divisional Education Council and other schools throughout the Baffin region.

To speed the reconstruction of the school, the community district education authority decided to use the school design adopted from a similar-sized facility that will soon be completed in Pond Inlet. The Pangnirtung school will accommodate 385 students. It is important to note that it includes a large gymnasium that will provide excellent space for community activities. This enlarged gym was made possible because the Hamlet of Pangnirtung paid for the space in excess of Education, Culture and Employment standards.

The new school has also taken an innovative approach to designing space for career and technology studies. These rooms will be at the front of the school and visible to students and the community.

Capital projects such as this are important to ensure that students across the north have a suitable environment in which to learn. This year, approximately 25 projects are under way to renovate or construct new schools. As well, nine college facilities are under development.

In closing, I would like to thank all those involved in the Pangnirtung school project. Close working relationships and solid commitment have provided, with the resources available, the best possible facility for Pangnirtung residents.

Congratulations to Pangnirtung and the students of Attagoyuk Ilisavik School. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause