Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to speak about an innovative idea that has been put into place at the University of Alberta, namely the Northern House that has been sponsored by the Native Student Services Department. I might add that it is also being supported and promoted by
various other departments within the University of Alberta.
Mr. Speaker, the Northern House is a project that is actually a residence for aboriginal students from the Northwest Territories and Nunavut and currently has a support person and three students were enrolled in the first year of programs. The purpose, of course, is to provide support to these students who are away from their aboriginal cultures for long, long periods of time. The purpose is that they provide support to each other, as well as support from other staff persons. Mr. Speaker, this facility is just being started this year, and they do need a little bit of help for furniture, basic kitchen utensils, essentials, and a computer. They need a one-time small infusion of cash. I believe that this would be a very, very worthwhile project with this government as I know what it is like to be going to school. Fortunately, I had my family with me when I went to school, but this establishment is for single students, particularly for young students who, as you can see, are all in their first year of programs. So at the appropriate time, Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister of Education some questions on this particular project for support. Thank you.
--Applause