Alfred Moses

Any program funding that the department does have is based on program eligibility, and funding applications must be submitted to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment in order for funding considerations to be explored. Our department is working with partners or interested organizations to help them develop those proposals and applications moving forward. And, like I said, it's based on program eligibility and whether or not they do meet the criteria, but we are interested in receiving applications from the Yellowknives Dene First Nations and moving forward from there.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. the department will be continuing the work with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. In the past, we have worked in partnerships with CanNor as well as with the Department of Tourism, Industry and Investment in the development of an Economic Development Strategy, as well as a Labour Force Strategy. Our goal is in the next few months to table an action plan on the Skills 4 Success document in this House, and we want to make sure that YKDFN is part of that and that we listen to their advice, listen to the direction that they want to go, and yes, we will be continuing...

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to advise this House that a ceremony was held earlier today to celebrate seven individuals who have made tremendous contributions to education in the Northwest Territories. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment launched the Education Hall of Fame in 2010 to recognize the many Northerners that play an important role in supporting the education of our children. It reflects the valuable contributions made by various educators, volunteers, board members, administrators, and other community members across the territory.

Mr. Speaker, for this year's...

At this moment, I can't commit to bringing the legislative changes until we've done the review of the feasibility study, looked to what other jurisdictions are doing and still have those discussions with Dechinta moving forward. I know Nunavut has that feasibility study. They spend a lot of money into that feasibility study. It was in the news just recently and we're going to look at those moving forward, but at this time I cannot commit to bringing more funding or a legislation before the next business plan review which is about three months away.

This year we've actually had an increase in graduation rates in the high school, but also in Aurora College system. This summer the Aurora College is actually going through new strategic plan for the next ten years. It's going to be reflective on our Skills 4 Success Action Plan which we are developing this summer as well. And I understand that Dechinta's also working on a proposal, maybe a revised proposal reflecting our Skills 4 Success Action Plan. The details, I can get the details in terms of success, in terms of how many graduates we had in Aurora College compared to Dechinta. I could...

I'm losing my voice here. I was back home doing a lot of talking over the last few days, and a lot of speeches the last couple of days as well. Unfortunately, during session time we are-- there's a lot of meetings that go on here in the House as well as session and going through our budget process. However, my schedule doesn't really confirm that I'd be able to meet before the 30th, although I will commit that officials in my department are available to meet before the 30th. Should a time open up that I might have some time, I will also look forward to trying to meet ahead of time. I know...

The department is committed to working with all our partners throughout the Northwest Territories. The Yellowknives Dene First Nations is a key stakeholder; obviously they are involved in a lot of the socio-economic agreements that we have with the mines. We're working with all partners that are involved in adult post-secondary education and skills training to support NWT residents. With the skills knowledge and attitudes for employment success we are committed to continuing working with Yellowknives Dene First Nation in how we can focus on developing the skills as well as the education, post...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in education our greatest successes are seeing the faces of students realizing that they have accomplished something remarkable. To see a student graduate with pride in their achievements, surrounded by their families, friends, and communities is one of the focuses of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, and a priority of this Assembly. We are working to ensure our students have the opportunities and resources to realize those accomplishments. We are striving to provide a responsive, sustainable, and meaningful education system for our...

Thank you Mr. Speaker. I too would like to recognize Mr. Nick Saturnino for his commitment and his service in the public service area for the GNWT as well as his dedication and hard work to the junior girls curling team and all his success he had as their coach. Also to Mr. David Reid. I’d like to thank him for his contributions to the education system. He just retired. Wish him the best in his future endeavours and he’s also been a contributor to at least three MLAs that are sitting in the House today. Mahsi cho. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment provides many critical programs and services for some of the territory’s most vulnerable residents through its income security programs. Through our ongoing efforts to continually improve these programs, I’d like to share with you today a significant change to the way we will be supporting families with children. On March 22nd, the federal government announced a new Canada Child Benefit to come into effect in July 2016. This benefit combines a number of previous federal government benefits available to...