Bob Bromley

Thanks to the Minister for those remarks. There are two problems with that approach, of course. First is that the early childhood development review has not been complete so we’re dealing with old information. Second, the Minister, in his briefings, has told me that the early childhood aspect of the review of Aboriginal student achievement focuses on schools, daycares, mandatory kindergarten for five year olds, optional kindergarten for four year olds. Even the family and student support focuses on things like family counsellors and tutors, access to school computers. These are way too late...

A comprehensive early childhood development plan is the essential first step to improve Aboriginal student achievement. Until we have early childhood plans in place, the Aboriginal Student Achievement Initiative will be lacking critical answers. Let’s not short change the vital early childhood issues by rushing to early decisions on formal schooling aspects of Aboriginal student achievement.

I will be asking the Minister of ECE questions on this. Mahsi.

Does committee agree that Bill 8 is ready for third reading?

---Bill 8 as a whole approved for third reading

Thank you, committee, and thank you, Minister. I will ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to please escort the witnesses from the House. Mrs. Groenewegen.

We’ll proceed with the clause by clause. To do that we will turn to page 1. Does committee agree to clause 1 through 5?

---Clauses 1 through 57 inclusive approved

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. I would ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to please escort the witnesses into the Chamber.

I’d like to ask the Minister to please introduce his witnesses.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. I’d like to ask the chairman of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure if he has comments. Mr. Ramsay.

I’d like to call Committee of the Whole to order. Committee has agreed to deal with Bill 8, An Act to Amend the Local Authorities Elections Act. I’d like to ask Minister Robert McLeod if he has opening remarks.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to follow up on my questions to the Minister of ECE.

I just want to start by saying that I appreciate the Minister’s commitment to update Social Programs on what he’s hearing on the Aboriginal student achievement review, but that’s not what I was asking. What I am seeking specifically, recognizing that true early childhood development can be the cornerstone and perhaps the most important cornerstone of this achievement initiative, will the Minister commit to offer, at the earliest opportunity, a briefing on how the two reviews, ASA and early childhood, will be...

I’ll take that then as a yes to my second question. It’s just I have a little less confidence in it.

On the bigger picture, a number of my colleagues and myself have been trying to really emphasize the need for the whole public -- and I’m not talking about the Aboriginal groups here, I’m not talking about people of any particular persuasion -- I’m talking about the entire Northwest Territories to be consulted, residents of the Northwest Territories to be consulted on what we mean when we say sustainable development. What do we mean when we say a responsible land and resource management regime...

I’m wondering, does that mean we would expect an additional supp if we have other Aboriginal partners that sign on during the course of this fiscal year?