Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Kam Lake, that Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Human Rights Act, be read for the second time.

Bill 3 amends the Human Rights Act to authorize the Speaker, on the recommendation of the Board of Management, to designate the chairperson and deputy chairperson of the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission. The commission members may designate an acting chairperson of the commission in certain circumstances.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 2012 graduating class of Moose Kerr School in Aklavik. I wish you all well in the future and I wish I was there to celebrate with you all.

I’d also like to congratulate the teachers and parents on a job well done. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a follow-up on my Member’s statement. I’d like to ask the Minister of Education a couple of questions. What is the Minister doing to address the need for a boarding home in Inuvik for students from small communities in the Beaufort-Delta?

Nothing further.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am just wondering, I noticed there is no funding for the Northern Leaders Forum. From what I understand, in the last government I believe that was a very good place to gather for many of the leaders and also the Premier. I would like to see that continue if not this year then hopefully we can plan for next year. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

No further questions at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. It was brought up earlier today, but I’d like to bring it up again, on the elders’ long-term care. It always seems like we run into barriers with the wording. If it’s not wording, it’s policy. It seems like we have to find another definition to be suitable for the communities and their needs, referring to maybe an elders care facility that is needed in the Mackenzie Delta. Without the need of a nurse on hand 24 hours a day, but you know, that’s what the communities want, as the Minister mentioned. But I think that we need to start planning. We have over 300 elders over...

If the numbers show that students from small communities are not succeeding in Inuvik, will the Minister take the steps necessary to provide a boarding home by this fall? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The high school years are difficult for many students. It can even be tough for sensible and smart young people who get strong support from their parents. The reality is that teenagers face some big challenges and a lot of pressure. I’m sure we all remember if we think about it. I fear those challenges were forgotten when the system was designed to support students who have to leave home to complete high school.

This is still happening in our small communities such as Tsiigehtchic and Sachs Harbour. Those students go to high school in Inuvik and have to live with other...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I noticed there’s nothing under the amortization. I noticed for every other department that’s taken into account, but I haven’t seen that for this one. Thank you.