Steve Ashton

I was pleased to be able to attend 2010 graduation of the Faculty of Social Work in Thompson recently.

My message to the grads was clear. Education is key to the development of Northern Manitoba.

The graduating class deserves congratulations for their hard work and perseverance. The 14 grads have already become role models to other students and to their communities.

What was noteworthy was the fact that some of the grads had parents that were grads of the Social Work program. It shows that programs like the Social Work program have a real history in the North.

I stressed the fact that our post secondary grads are not only key to filling  many skilled and professional positions in the North they are also playing key to fulfilling leadership roles. Social Work and other  grads are often key civil servants and employees with First Nations,Metis, provincial and the Federal  governments. Many are chiefs,councillors and other elected representatives. Many others are playing a vital role in volunteer and non profit organizations.

In looking to the future it is clear we need to continue to expand post secondary education. The new UCN campus in Thompson and the many community based campuses are critical to this expansion.

It is clear that post secondary education is critical to both the social and economic dimensions to development.

Throughout the next few weeks I will be attending as many of the graduations as possible throughout Northern Manitoba. My message will one of congratulations to the grads, their families and friends. It will also be a reminder that every present and future grad is a key part of the development of Northern Manitoba.

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