Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this year marks Canada's air cadet movement's 60th anniversary and while the official birthday was April 9, 2001, activities will be held by individual squadrons throughout their anniversary year, which ends May 30, 2002.
The movement came into being in 1941 in response to a critical need for trained young men to fly in defence of freedom. Since then, nearly one million young Canadians have participated in air cadets.
In partnership with the armed forces, the movement has provided wonderful opportunities for many of our youth. In fact, Mr. Speaker, although it may be hard to tell from my hair colour now, once upon a time, long ago -- long ago -- I was one of those young people and was fortunate enough to obtain my private pilot's licence because of air cadets.
Some interesting facts that Members may not know is that one out of every five private pilots in Canada at the present time is an ex-air cadet and 63 percent of commercial airline pilots flying today got their start in air cadets. Approximately 28 percent of the flying, technical and administrative members serving in Canada's Air Force today have had some air cadet training.
Mr. Speaker, last year one northern cadet earned his wings and is now a registered private pilot, while another completed glider flying training. The Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut boast four squadrons and roughly 150 young Northerners proudly wear the air cadet uniform.
Each squadron is supported by trained reserve officers of the Canadian Armed Forces as well as a group of dedicated civilian volunteers, parents and sponsoring organizations.
The focus of today's air cadet movement is on citizenship and leadership, with an orientation towards aviation. Through cadet training, young people from ages 12 to 19 learn the value of initiative, self-reliance, discipline, teamwork and leadership.
Mr. Speaker, as a point of interest, Yellowknife's squadron is the only group of cadets in Canada who still keep a 24-hour vigil at the cenotaph on November 11th, a tradition that the cadets feel must be continued.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the officers, instructors, parents and the air cadets for their dedication in helping young Canadians successfully meet the challenges of our Territory and our country.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all Members join me in congratulating the air cadets movement on its 60th anniversary this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause