Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the most exciting opportunities currently before us is the development of advanced post-secondary education through a polytechnic university. I am proud that, in the 18^th Assembly, we have taken significant steps towards making this a reality, but it is important that it be done right, so it demands our continuing attention and vigilance, even in the remaining months of this Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I see a polytechnic university providing many benefits to the NWT, such as:

• significant education dollars will stay here at home;
• students can engage in a northern priority curriculum that will equip them to find career opportunities here at home;
• promote affordable post-secondary education for all NWT students;
• continuing success of existing Aurora College programs and campuses;
• address labour shortage issues here at home; and
• encourage and retain northern residency.

A made-in-the-North curriculum can be designed to meet the unique needs of both the northern economy and the student body. Programs can be designed with a staged curriculum to meet both the demand for vocational and trades-based skills and academic research, possibly leading to post-graduate work.

A polytechnic university campus based in Yellowknife is a logical choice because of human and civil infrastructure, as well as the demands for housing. As for Inuvik and Fort Smith campuses, I see their communities being enhanced by the increase in post-secondary activities generated by the polytechnic.

Mr. Speaker, the circumpolar regions of the world are gaining increasing international focus. There is huge potential for foreign students attending northern educational institutions. Foreign students pay tuition averaging three to five times what Canadian students pay. This is another area of huge potential growth.

Finally, partnerships with other northern, national, and international educational institutions can provide further opportunities, academic and otherwise. Important research is currently conducted by institutions across the northern hemisphere. Connections and collaborative partnerships among such agencies can be mutually beneficial.

Mr. Speaker, an NWT polytechnic institution should take its place among them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.