Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Today I would like to recognize the value of education and its importance in helping northerners reach goals of self-reliance and personal fulfillment. This week is Education Week. Each year, at this time, we celebrate the importance of education with activities, events and by sharing information. Every year a different theme is selected that profiles a critical element of our learning system. This year's theme is "Celebrating Partnerships."

Our NWT learning system has a number of key components. Early childhood development programs, schools and adult and post-secondary education all provide opportunities for northerners to develop their skills and build knowledge.

Learners in our education programs are involved daily in the pursuit of learning. But we all know that students do not succeed simply by sitting in classrooms and soaking up information. There are many factors that support our students and many people share in helping students be successful. We need to recognize our "partners in education" and thank them for their support.

First, Mr. Speaker, we must recognize families who make sure their children get enough sleep, are provided with nutritional food and a nurturing environment while being supported in their homework and studies. Families are a key element, perhaps the most important, of every student's success.

As well, there are teachers, adult educators, and college instructors who work in education because they believe in enriching the minds of our next generation. We have principals, administrative professionals and college staff who provide students with the structure and the necessary tools for learning.

As well, there are many who may not immediately come to mind when we think of the success of our graduates. We need to also recognize:

• • volunteers who freely give of their time to help in so many ways in all our schools, college and early learning centres;
• • trustees who sit on our boards to help guide operations, making the sometimes difficult and not always popular decisions;
• • professional associations, such as the Northwest Territories Teachers' Association, whose focus on professionalism and professional development helps strengthen the skills of teachers and other employees;
• • businesses and employers who provide learning opportunities "in the real world" and who also contribute funding support to a wide range of educational activities; and, Mr. Speaker,
• • elders and community resource people who add the unique language and cultural aspects of our northern communities into the learning system.

Over the past few months, I have had an opportunity to visit a number of learning centres, I have been impressed by the dedication and hard work of all of our educational partners. More and more, our students, whether they are young children, teenagers or adults, are being successful. They are successful because of their personal efforts and the solid support of all of those who contribute to our NWT learning system.

I ask you to join me today, Mr. Speaker, in celebrating Education Week, to show appreciation to each and every northerner who has partnered with us and our students to reach their goals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause