Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today and recognize and congratulate the outstanding contribution made by an Iqaluit resident and friend. Mr. Speaker, Catherine Moore is the director of Academic Studies, Trades and Community Programs at the Nunatta Campus of Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit. On May 25th, Catherine will be travelling to Winnipeg to accept the prestigious 1998 Association of Canadian Community Colleges 1998 Leadership Excellence Award.
Mr. Speaker, Catherine came north in 1979, first to Igloolik. She worked there as a home management educator. In 1981, Catherine moved to Iqaluit and continued to work for the Department of Education. In 1987, she became the director of Community Programs for Arctic College and it was in this important role she took a leap of faith and hired yours truly, as the first adult educator in Hall Beach. Catherine has, for the past 11 years, overseen the development of adult education programs in the Baffin region and her leadership in this area is one of the major reasons why she will be presented with the prestigious award next week.
Mr. Speaker, Catherine was my supervisor for five and a half years. She is a dedicated educator, mother and a friend. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Catherine and her national award speaks volumes nationally with the programs and services that have been developed and delivered in the north. Mr. Speaker, Catherine's award for exceptional leadership, community involvement and creativity reflects well on the north and Nunavut Arctic College on the national stage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause