Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last night, along with hundreds of other Yellowknifers and Northerners, I had the pleasure of attending a ceremony at Sir John Franklin High School to commemorate the opening of the newly renovated Sir John. It was a fine evening. I would especially like to compliment the principal, Anne Mieke-Cameron, for the wonderful job she did.

Mr. Speaker, since its opening in 1958, Sir John Franklin High School and Akaitcho Hall have provided a very, very high standard of academic and vocational education and made a difference in the lives of thousands of people in the North. It is interesting to recount that people from over 37 different communities have attended Sir John Franklin High School over its time. Since then, we have seen it evolve into a facility that also serves the arts community with the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre there.

I am a graduate of the class of 1972, Mr. Speaker, and it is very satisfying for me now to have my own daughters attending school. I would like to also congratulate the people involved with the renovation program for involving the students in the redesign and the ideas that have gone into this remarkable new facility.

Last night, the commitment of this government through the previous Minister of Education, Mr. Dent, was acknowledged and Mr. Ootes, today's Minister, as well as the excellent work of the Department of Public Works people. Mr. Steen was also acknowledged, along with Clark Builders and Ferguson, Simek and Clark. It was a good tribute to the hard work and the dedication of over two years of construction that everybody endured.

Mr. Speaker, you yourself represented us very well as the voice of past students and gave a great presentation and a tribute to what that facility has meant. Along with that spirit of celebration, Mr. Speaker, I too will be joining Northerners and Canadians in recognizing the sacrifices that many made so that we can still continue the privilege of a free and a broad education in this wonderful country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause