Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am speaking today about the success of the Department of Justice aboriginal law career development program. In 2002-2003, six aboriginal students from the Northwest Territories received bursaries to study law at a Canadian university. This is the highest number of students we have ever had participate in this program.
This summer, we are pleased to have two of the bursary recipients working with the department. They are gaining valuable experience that will help them in their studies and give them an idea of the work that is available with the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, the aboriginal law career development program provides students with financial bursaries, summer employment, a mentor from the department and the opportunity for students to article with the department after they have completed their education. Over the past four years, the department has provided $160,000 to indigenous aboriginal students pursuing a law degree.
Each year, more aboriginal students are choosing a career in law. The department is pleased to be able to support them in their goal. We hope these students will go on to a long career in the North. In fact, one of the early participants in the program is now legal counsel with the Department of Justice.
Mr. Speaker, the aboriginal law career development program is consistent with our goal of maximizing northern employment. One day, these students may fill senior positions in the Department of Justice, and I wish them all well with their studies. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause