Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a statement today with regard to graduation. Mr. Speaker, I was in Fort Simpson, my hometown, on the weekend and attended the graduation ceremony for the Thomas Simpson School. Today I would like to congratulate the Grade 12 graduates of the Thomson Simpson School in Fort Simpson. It was a great honour for me and I was also privileged to attend the ceremony on Saturday, June 7, 2003, in Fort Simpson. I also, once again, today, although I made a speech there, would like to congratulate once again the nine graduates: Danita Allaire, Vanessa Gerlock, Jessica Jumbo, Jennifer McInnis-Wharton, Joy Rodh, Michael Rowe, Christopher Stipdonk, Brendan Tsetso and Lisa Williams.

I would also like to say congratulations to the parents. As a parent, like many of you out here, you know once your child reaches Grade 12, you give a sigh of relief and there's a lot of joy and happiness in it, but at the same time, you know they have to take the next step of going on to college or university. They are still not out of your hair yet. There is still a continuation of your role as a parent. Up to this point, there was lots of hope for the young people who graduated there, and there is also encouragement to the students who see this and want to pursue that role as well.

I would also like to thank the organizers of the graduation for making the ceremony a very memorable experience for all the participants. They are finished high school. I told them there is a new bunch of people that they have to be very aware of, the ECE group there, Mr. Jacobson and his crew, the band and the Metis. If all else fails, you can come and see the MLA to straighten things out if things don't work out.

So it was a very good occasion in Fort Simpson and I just wanted to recognize the students. Mahsi. Thank you.

---Applause