Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Education is one of the most critical tasks our society faces. In the Northwest Territories we are fortunate to have many excellent and dedicated people who make outstanding contributions to educating northerners. It is time to formally recognize some of these individuals and acknowledge their energy, effort and commitment. Therefore, I am pleased to say that effective immediately, I am re-establishing awards to recognize exceptional contributions to education across the Northwest Territories. These awards were last given out in 1993.

I will be re-establishing two awards: the Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Partners in Education Award. This year, the Award for Excellence in Teaching will recognize three educators who show outstanding characteristics in their work and provide that extra something to students in the classroom. Two teachers will be recognized: one from Nunavut and one from the Western Territory. The third award will go to an instructor from the college systems. The Partners in Education Award will recognize three individuals outside the teaching profession who make outstanding contributions to the education of students. They could be custodians, secretaries, teacher aides, elders, bus drivers or other community members who make a significant difference.

Guidelines and program criteria are being prepared now and will be sent out in the near future. Nominations will be accepted until the end of January. A committee will then review the material and make its recommendations. I plan to announce and recognize the award winners during the March session of the Legislative Assembly. Young people are the future of the north. It is important to acknowledge outstanding teachers and others in the education system who work hard to help prepare our young people for the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

--Applause