Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories has one of the lowest rates of literacy in Canada. That means an incredible loss of human potential is taking place. It means many people have trouble finding and keeping jobs. It means many people may not be able to access information about protecting their health, safety or rights.
Perhaps most importantly, it also means many people cannot read to their children or help them with their homework. Those children will probably have more difficulty learning to read and write, and will be less likely to finish school.
Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories Literacy Council is a volunteer organization that promotes and supports literacy activities in all official languages of the Northwest Territories. They work with community groups to build the skills necessary to plan, deliver and manage local projects designed to provide literacy training.
The biggest fundraiser of the year for the Northwest Territories Literacy Council is the Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournament for Literacy. Since 1990, the tournaments have raised over $300,000 for the council. This year, the PGI will be held in Yellowknife on a non-regulation, and I emphasize non-regulation, nine-hole golf course that will be created on the ice of Frame Lake on March 29, 2000.
The Northwest Territories Literacy Council is well on the way to building a successful PGI this year, but they can always use more support. Mr. Speaker, I would like to urge Northwest Territories businesses to be genuine with their backing of the Peter Gzowski Invitational this year. Businesses can really benefit with enhanced literary levels in the workforce. Studies have shown an improved bottom line for employers when literacy levels are improved. Employees with higher literacy skills are more likely to understand, accept and conform to health and safety regulations. Improved employee safety is not only better for the employees, but it also contributes to an improved bottom line.
Mr. Speaker, supporting the Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournament is good for business. Becoming a sponsor might help good businesses get a chance to golf in the tournament, a chance to golf with Mr. Dressup, otherwise known as Mr. Ernie Coombs, if you can find your ball in the constant crowd of kids and adults that always surrounds Mr. Coombs during one of these tournaments. Mr. Speaker, I have participated in a few PGIs, and I must tell you that seeing Mr. Dressup has an amazing effect on young people. Everyone loves him and wants to be close.
I am looking forward to being part of the crowd following the action on the ice of Frame Lake near the end of March. I hope Northerners will join me in supporting the Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournament, as this important event raises funds for the Northwest Territories Literacy Council. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause