Caroline Cochrane

Currently, our nursing students do actually utilize the Stanton Hospital for their practicums. That is very important. Hands-on learning is critical within any university, certificate, diploma, or degree programming, so we will continue to work with Health and Social Services on utilizing that. I do note I hear the Member who is saying: can we make the school there? That, I cannot promise. What I can say is that the campus in Yellowknife has outgrown its current headquarters, and that has to be looked at. At this point, I can't say whether it would be part of the old Stanton Hospital or if it...

Yes, it is definitely important. This is a territory-wide issue. Our future for post-secondary is bigger than the people in this House, so it is important that we work with all levels of government, our municipal governments and our Aboriginal governments, for two reasons: to find out how we can best support the students; and the second one is to look at our vision and look at the strengths and identify areas that we can grow on. So, yes, I am seeing that part of the vision exercise is that we would be consulting with Indigenous governments to see what their vision is, as well.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to take a moment to recognize a lot of schools here. We have N.J. Macpherson School, grade 4 and 5 students, and St. Pat’s High School, grade 9. I’m not sure which one is your son, but welcome to the gallery.

We also have students from the second year of the social work program and the fourth year of the Bachelor of Science and Nursing program, 22 students and faculty. Welcome. One of the faculty, Susan Fitzky, I recognize. I apologize if I don’t recognize the names of the other ones.

I also want to recognize some constituents within that: Lucinda Kanapetradu...

We used internal funding for this year because I needed it done and I wanted it done now. However, we have talked, and so, we are putting together a proposal at this moment, and we'll be bringing it through the Financial Management Board for a decision for future funding.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Why it wasn't addressed at the start of the school year is because we just had the shuffle in the spring, April, I believe it was, so I had just taken on the portfolio of Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. It wasn't until the summer months, actually, that it was brought to my attention that we're not having more than one teacher in schools.

I do have to recognize the MLA, Shane Thompson, for bringing that to my attention. It was a serious concern of his and a serious concern of mine. Safety is number one. So, it took a little bit of time because it was...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are continuing with our mandate commitment to implement the Education Renewal and Innovation Framework and Action Plan. I am pleased to report that the education system is improving to meet the needs of the students, educators, and families of the Northwest Territories. We are at the mid-point of our 10-year strategy, and we are seeing numerous successes and further opportunities for action.

Mr. Speaker, there are many challenges in delivering education in the Northwest Territories. We are taking a made-in-the-North approach, recognizing the unique nature...

Yes, it will have an impact. It's going to mean better support for the students within the schools. So, schools are still funded for a half-time position for a language instructor and also for program support. This is actually on top, this is actually more support for students, and it's about safety for our students. So it's a good thing, and I will do my best to make sure it's maintained. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The decision just came through. It was around a month ago, actually, that I was allowed to make this decision. So, we phoned all of the education bodies. We notified them verbally. We're in the process now of doing written letters to them all advising and then reinstating the funding so that they'll have the full-year funding for the year.

There was a commitment that Ministers get to as many ridings as possible. I know I have been to that riding probably a couple of times already. I am not sure if it is on my agenda for December. I do know that I am booking up until February, but if I am available, then I would be more than honoured to visit the riding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Customer service is a priority within all government departments, but we also have to be reasonable. We have more need or more desires than actually money. Within the community of Tsiigehtchic, currently we have 10 people who are on income support and we have five people that are accessing our home heating services. The five people on home heating only have to apply once a year. The 10 people on income support have to do monthly assessments, but I really have a hard time justifying that we would need a full-time worker for 10 people on income support in a community. If I had the money, Mr...