Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, next Wednesday, November 7th, grade 9 students from across the NWT will skip school for the day, but they are not cutting classes. Most of them will spend the day at work with their parents, another relative or a family friend.

They are participating in the 8th annual Take Our Kids to Work Day. Since 1994, schools and workplaces across Canada have set aside one day a year for students in grade 9 to head out of the classroom and into a range of workplaces. The NWT is no exception. Over the past two years, more than 400 students have participated in Take Our Kids to Work Day.

Mr. Speaker, there are many advantages to an event like this. Take Our Kids to Work Day encourages a connection between family, school, the workplace and the community. It enhances a young person's understanding of the world of work. It helps students make the link between their education and their future and encourages them to consider career paths. More importantly, it is an opportunity to foster understanding and cooperation between schools, future employees and employers in the communities.

The theme of Take Our Kids to Work Day this year is "Experience, Teamwork and Safety." With an emphasis on workplace safety, students and employers will be briefed on appropriate behaviours that will help to ensure safety in the workplace. Students will also receive training on their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that the Workers' Compensation Board will join us in Take Our Kids to Work Day events. The Young Worker Program, administered by WCB, is devoted to ensuring that young workers understand all the issues related to workplace safety.

Take Our Kids to Work Day is one of many events planned for Canada Career Week, November 4th to 10th. "Learning -- Power for Life" is the theme. Mr. Speaker, one of the most valuable learning experiences these young people can have is acquiring knowledge about staying safe in the workplace.

Mr. Speaker, I want to also thank the many businesses, industries and government offices that have agreed this year to again participate in Take Our Kids to Work Day. Your support of this program ensures its success and makes a credible learning experience for students. These students are the workforce of the future. The earlier young people begin to think seriously about and plan for a lifetime of learning, the more successful they will be. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause