Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to offer congratulations to a member of our public service, Mr. Joe Dragon, who recently received his doctorate of philosophy degree in wildlife ecology and management from the University of Alberta.
Born and raised in the Northwest Territories, Joe is a South Slave Metis from a well-known family in Fort Smith. Joe, or 'Pinto' Dragon, as he was known when he was growing up, is an accomplished hockey player who left the North to pursue a hockey career while maintaining his educational studies. He played Tier 2 Junior "A" hockey, followed by university, finally playing hockey in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. Dr. Dragon now coaches youth hockey in Yellowknife.
Joe knows about achieving excellence in school. He was awarded an academic scholarship to Cornell University. While in Ithaca, New York, Joe's focus was to get the most out of the four years that he could academically; noting any hockey success would be a bonus. Joe graduated from Cornell with a Bachelor of Science degree with a dual major in natural resources along with business management and marketing. In obtaining his Ph.D., Joe follows the footsteps of his cousin, Dr. Dan Dragon, who also studied wildlife ecology.
Joe, his wife Leslie and son Max moved back to the North several years ago as Joe continued his career with the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. Today, Dr. Joe Dragon is the director of policy and communications for the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs for the Government of the Northwest Territories.
We should all be proud that one of our own has taken steps to continue their education at the highest level and the example he sets for future generations. Whether through our education leave program or student financial assistance program, our government has been able to provide options to our youth to advance their education. Additionally, our government has identified the employment of youth in areas that suit their educational background as a priority through our successful intern program and our ongoing summer student program. These programs provide our youth the opportunity to gain employment in their home communities while pursuing an education in the south.
We need to continue to offer opportunities to our youth to ensure that they return to our Territory to assist in building our future. I know that Joe has indicated on many occasions that his success has been based on the mentoring and support he received while working for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. I look forward to seeing more of our youth gain this level of education. They are our future and we should be proud of their accomplishments. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause