NNSL (May 29/98) - The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has launched a new campaign called "Tools for Success" to encourage junior and senior high school students to consider careers in skilled trades.

"The message of Tools for Success is simple. The best tool for success in an apprenticeship or trades career is a high school education that includes math and science," said Minister Charles Dent.

Materials about the campaign have been sent to all schools and every regional career centre in the NWT. Other promotional items will be used as prizes for science fairs, math competitions and scholastic achievements.

Ootes addresses vandalism

Yellowknife Centre MLA Jake Ootes wants the Minister of Justice Goo Arlooktoo to possibly make changes to existing young offender sentencing guidelines to deal with youth vandalism in the city. He would like to see a means for increased community participation in the administering of justice for non-violent crimes.

Ootes cited a number of vandalism incidents in the city in recent weeks, including damage to the Wade Hamer mini-golf course. The vandalism may mean that the money raised this summer at the course won't cover the cost of both repairs and the hockey school in the future.

Ootes also mentioned an incident in which a number of vehicles parked along Ingraham Trail were damaged or had their tires slashed recently.

"I would like to see this government work with communities to assist in providing legal and administrative tools that allow communities to assume a greater role in administering justice matters," said Ootes.

Picco lands pickerel

Tourists wanting to experience the great outdoors and try a hand at some of the best fishing in the world may not have to look any further than Yellowknife North.

MLA Roy Erasmus praised on Wednesday the good fishing in the parks and lakes along the Ingraham Trail -- all available by road and within 30 minutes of city limits.

"I can attest that there are still trophy fish available in those lakes. To give you a good example, just this past weekend Iqaluit MLA Mr. Picco landed two huge pickerel in Prelude Lake," said Erasmus.

"When I asked him how come he is such a good fisherman, he looked at me in a funny way and he said, 'I'm a Newfoundlander.'"

Erasmus is inviting tourists and visitors to Prelude to experience Picco's success at fishing.