Hon. David Newman (Minister of Energy and Mines): Could I have leave to make a nonpolitical statement, Mr. Deputy Speaker, please?

Mr. Deputy Speaker: Does the honourable minister have leave to make a nonpolitical statement? [agreed]

Mr. Newman: I rise today to congratulate a young lady from Holy Ghost School on Selkirk Avenue, Ms. Mhelanni Gorre. Ms. Gorre's artwork was selected to represent Manitoba in the 1997 Energy and the Environment Calendar contest. She is one of 14 talented young artists from across Canada whose artwork is included in the calendar.

The title Ms. Gorre chose, "Saving the Earth Starts with You," vividly illustrates many small but effective choices people can make to save money, energy and the environment. Ms. Gorre's drawing was featured for the month of May.

It should be noted that Ms. Gorre's winning artwork was selected from over 300 enthusiastic youngsters that participated in the contest. The calendar is produced by Natural Resources Canada in co-operation with the provincial and territorial Energy departments and distributed throughout Canada. Copies of the calendar were made available to all honourable members earlier this year. In Manitoba, approximately 8,000 copies have been distributed to elementary schools, daycare centres and public libraries. Thank you.