Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recently received a copy of the first annual report of the Bridges Program at St. Patrick High School here in Yellowknife. Bridges is a school-to-work transition program, launched in 1997. In its first year of operation, the program proved to be very successful with over 70 students participating and 30 businesses, employers involved directly. Bridges offers work experience in a variety of areas such as office work, child care, video and TV technology and trades such as construction and plumbing. In May this year, St. Patrick High School was awarded the Conference Board of Canada Royal Bank Partners in Education national award. This award speaks to the many partnerships the school has maintained with community and business organizations. The Bridges program now enters its final year of a two-year pilot phase. Developing a foundation for this program has taken time. In the current school year, more students and teachers than ever are actively participating in the program.

In the brief time it has been operating, Bridges has proven to be an asset to the students, employers, the school and the community. This government has been a supporter of this excellent program and I would encourage that to continue. I commend the staff and students of St. Patrick High School and in particular, Kern Von Hagen, principal of St. Patrick High School and Deb Cooke, Bridges coordinator on their excellent work. I also congratulate the 30 plus Yellowknife businesses who have generously provided mentorship and work placement opportunities to our young people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause