Good afternoon, colleagues. Before we go to orders of the day, Monday, March 14th, is Commonwealth Day. The second Monday in March is observed annually by all member nations of the Commonwealth to promote understanding about global issues, international cooperation and the work done by modern Commonwealth.
The theme of Commonwealth Day 2005 will be Education - Creating Opportunity, Realizing Potential. The theme reflects the Commonwealth's commitment to education by promoting efforts to achieve universal primary education, eliminate gender disparities, improving quality in education, using distance learning to overcome barriers, supporting education in difficult circumstances and mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS in education.
Commonwealth Day is celebrated in many different ways. Many cities, for example, hold multi-faith observances. Parliaments and legislatures also mark the day with speeches and events. On Monday, the Royal Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack, will be flown along with the Canadian Flag on all Government of Canada buildings and establishments across Canada to mark Canada's membership in the Commonwealth Nations. We will also be flying the Union Jack here at the Legislative Assembly, along with the Northwest Territories Flag and the Canadian Flag.
Thank you, all Members, for joining me as we mark this very important day.
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I would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that on May 2 to 6, 2005, we will be hosting our sixth annual Youth Parliament. It is an opportunity for grades 9 and 10 students in the Northwest Territories to assume the role of MLAs and Members of the Legislative Assembly here in Yellowknife. The Legislative Assembly hosts this event each year and we encourage all Members to participate and help make this experience a memorable and rewarding one for all our young participants. Thank you, Members.
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Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Mr. McLeod.