Charles Dent

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do not believe that at any time the standing committee was informed that we might be having to look at replacing this building. Mr. Chairman, there were extensive consultations with the MLA for the region over the past two years. The village council has been involved in the consultations, the band has been involved in the consultations, and unfortunately it appears that in the act of maintaining good consultation with the community, the step of informing the committee that this was an impending issue was overlooked.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The additional cost would be whatever the cost per square foot is to add the space in a school when that school might be under construction. We have a number of schools in the Northwest Territories in several communities where childcare programs are being offered in classrooms that are essential or not in use as part of the regular school program. For instance, schools that are under capacity. So it is not an uncommon situation. In fact, it’s one that we think is good use of a space. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I haven’t had a meeting with the proponents at this point, but I would be happy to meet with them and discuss their proposal.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do not believe that at any time the standing committee was informed that we might be having to look at replacing this building. Mr. Chairman, there were extensive consultations with the MLA for the region over the past two years. The village council has been involved in the consultations, the band has been involved in the consultations, and unfortunately it appears that in the act of maintaining good consultation with the community, the step of informing the committee that this was an impending issue was overlooked.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I trust that I'm not going to have to provide a directive to enforce that happening. I believe that those who are elected to our divisional educational councils are themselves leaders and understand the importance of healthy food and do want to get junk in the trunk. I will work with the divisional education council leaders and if we don't see that movement happening, I may reconsider my position by next fall. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The additional cost would be whatever the cost per square foot is to add the space in a school when that school might be under construction. We have a number of schools in the Northwest Territories in several communities where childcare programs are being offered in classrooms that are essential or not in use as part of the regular school program. For instance, schools that are under capacity. So it is not an uncommon situation. In fact, it’s one that we think is good use of a space. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. More than a year ago I discussed with the chairs of the DECs the need for us to ensure that healthy snacks were available for children in all of our schools and all of the DECs have agreed that they’re moving towards this. I think most of them in the Territories have already moved to ensure that healthy snacks are in vending machines. I will follow up with the DECs and find out just what the state of compliance is with that direction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I haven’t had a meeting with the proponents at this point, but I would be happy to meet with them and discuss their proposal.

This morning, MLAs joined the Awareness of Violence Against Aboriginal Women Journey for Change Walk. This walk is to remember those who have died, those who are missing and the many still living in violence and abusive situations.

I congratulate the individuals involved in this activity, particularly Marie Speakman, one of this year's Wise Women Award recipients and the person who came up with the idea for the walk. I wish them well on their journey and I hope we will all take this opportunity to remember how violence against women hurts all of us, our families, our children and our...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I trust that I'm not going to have to provide a directive to enforce that happening. I believe that those who are elected to our divisional educational councils are themselves leaders and understand the importance of healthy food and do want to get junk in the trunk. I will work with the divisional education council leaders and if we don't see that movement happening, I may reconsider my position by next fall. Thank you.