Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well said, and I totally agree with my previous colleague, Mr. Simpson, on those remarkable historic words. Mr. Speaker, education is the most valued possession one can have. This learning capitalization gives you lifelong abilities for creating a wide range of prosperity, life choices, independence, and above all, security. The education system, and more important, "delivery." Our indicators of engagement on measurable is in the hands of community, regional, and territorial leaders. Mr. Speaker, it has been said many a times, education starts at home.
In 2013, 79 per cent of students in the communities were operating below standards in math. Students in Yellowknife were operating at 43 per cent. Mr. Speaker, our NWT graduation rates are also below national averages. Mr. Speaker, as a first-term MLA, and I am still learning myself, but also glad our Sahtu schools began the 2016-2017 academic year with initiative courses in Math, English, Social Studies 30-1 and 30-2. As I understand, a minimum requirement for southern institutions. I think we can no longer ignore our system, but it is certainly questionable, and delivery principles need reviews on efficiencies. Later, Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of ECE on the progress of this new initiative in the Sahtu region. Mahsi.