Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today is Literacy Day in this Assembly and in keeping with our literacy theme this afternoon and the importance of education for all people, I would like to draw attention to an individual who has devoted a career to furthering the cause of education and literacy among young people.

Mr. Metro Huculak has done in his context of government and school boards and in keeping with the priority of

teaching students, ensuring they get a good education. Mr. Huculak is here in the audience today, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to read a press release from YK1 as my Member's statement.

Mr. Metro Huculak from YK1 was awarded the provincial/territorial EXL Award for Excellence in School Administration in Winnipeg at the Annual Canadian Association of School Administrators Conference on October 13, 2006. The Canadian Association of School Administrators presents this annual award to members who have displayed exemplary leadership ability, enhanced school administration, made important contributions to education, brought honour to their profession, and served as a member of CASA for five years. Administrators from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba and NWT were nominated for this provincial award.

It's quoted, "I am not at all surprised that Mr. Huculak was given this award," said Mr. Ed Wittchen, professional development director of CASA, "his energy, enthusiasm, interpersonal skills and strong leadership abilities have allowed him to bring a lot of positive changes to YK1 in a short period of time. He surrounds himself with a good team."

Mr. Huculak made significant changes since joining YK1 in August 2005 as superintendent. He places a strong emphasis in implementing professional development programs for YK1 administrative staff to expand their leadership capacity. Over the past few years he has worked at creating and applying the "Classroom Walk Through" program in Alberta which is still in progress and used in training NWT administration staff. Mr. Huculak was also involved in the "Healthy Interaction" and "Safe and Caring Communities and School" programs in Alberta. Mr. Huculak is currently working for the Northwest Territories Teachers' Association and the Education, Culture and Employment to implement a similar program in the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this moment to honour an educator and someone who makes a difference in our community, Mr. Huculak. Thank you.

---Applause