Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on March 31, 2004, the opening ceremony for the North Slave Adult Correctional Centre will take place.

This marks a significant step forward on modernizing the corrections system in the Northwest Territories. The North Slave Adult Correctional Centre will replace the 38-year-old Yellowknife Correctional Centre. The new centre will increase the ability of offenders to access appropriate programming to assist in their healing. The new centre will provide a safe and secure custody environment that supports rehabilitation.

I would like to recognize the work of the Aboriginal Advisory Group. The design of the facility and some of the programming that will be offered were shaped by their advice and guidance. We appreciate their time and their commitment to helping offenders reintegrate back into society with new positive values and skills.

I would like to invite residents to visit the new correctional centre to see it for themselves. An open house will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on March 31, 2004. Tours will be available and employees will be on hand to answer questions. I encourage Members of this House and the public to tour the new facility on March 31st.

---Applause