Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This week, more than 100 school and community education counsellors in the Northwest Territories are in Yellowknife. They are delegates at a conference called Honouring the Spirit of Our Children.

Mr. Speaker, the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by people in care-giving roles is evidenced by the high degree of interest shown in attending this conference. In addition to the participation of counsellors, 40 parents took part in a parents' night on the first day of the conference.

I am sure that we are all aware of the importance of providing a safe, caring and stable environment for children in which they can grow into happy, well-adjusted and healthy adults. Children who experience personal success will become self-reliant and contributing members of our communities.

We are fortunate to live in a country in which we can find support for our efforts to create a nurturing environment. That support often comes from caring professionals who counsel, advise and listen with empathy to the challenges we face in our efforts to foster the right kind of environment for our children.

Sponsored jointly by the departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services, the Honouring the Spirit Conference addressed topics of importance to professional counsellors and caregivers in their efforts to ensure they have the skills required to support the public.

Mr. Speaker, a healthy society of self-reliant individuals who contribute to society in a meaningful way is an important part of the vision this government has for the Northwest Territories. We are working together to ensure that we provide a network of programs and services to support the vision I describe.

Mr. Speaker, the joint efforts of my department and those of the Department of Health and Social Services, led by the Honourable Jane Groenewegen, in organizing the Honouring the Spirit of Our Children Conference is a step in the right direction. I want to thank all those involved in organizing and attending the conference for their commitment to helping us to realize our vision. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause