Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to acknowledge the early childhood programs that we offer to preschoolers in our communities. These programs are really important. The early stages of learning and support are continuing education for the rest of our lives. The teachers and instructors in these programs inspire the curiosity that children have when they are toddlers. It is a great thing to see the kids who are given an opportunity to explore and grow in a fun way.

I would like to acknowledge the teachers and the instructors in all the communities, but especially in the Mackenzie Delta...

The other concern was the condition of the actual landing in the community of Inuvik. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just to the budget for Transportation, a few things that I’m concerned that aren’t in the budget. One of the big issues for the people of Aklavik is the access road to Willow River. I was hoping to see that in this budget but, hopefully, within the fall, during business plans next time, we could try to find some sort of funds to allocate to the community to proceed with that project.

Also, one thing that’s not in the budget this year is the funds to allocate to maintain the receiver on the Rat Pass. That’s only $10,000 that we’re talking about. Many people in the Mackenzie...

As I mentioned earlier, the community has set aside housing for a nurse. Will the Minister work with the community leaders to find a way to put a nurse in that house? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In follow up to my Member’s statement, I have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Why is there still no nurse in Tsiigehtchic? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. No further questions.

Thank you. What are Health and Social Services and the regional health authority doing to remedy this situation?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For many years the community of Tsiigehtchic has been asking for a full-time nurse to be permanently stationed there. It is not just the community’s leadership asking for a nurse. Three years ago satisfaction surveys of the regional health services identified the people’s desire for a local nurse. Freeze-up and breakup of the Mackenzie River always disrupts some services, but health care is actually better in Tsiigehtchic at this time. That is because it is the only time there is a full-time nurse in the community. If it can be done during freeze-up and breakup, surely...

Thank you, colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I cannot accept that answer, Mr. Speaker. That answer means that we will value the formula more than the students. That answer means that we will condemn children to a life with only a fraction of learning.

We can make a difference. The Minister can make a difference in these children’s lives. I’ll be asking him to do that later today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to share the reality of the Grade 1 and 2 class in Moose Kerr School in Aklavik. It is a combined class of 18 students. It has a teacher and one assistant. That is based on the funding formula that the Department of Education uses with their regional authorities. The funding is not based on what the school and its students actually need.

The Grade 1 and 2 class have students who are struggling to master kindergarten expectations along with those who are almost at Grade 2 level. Some have severe special needs. One student is a runner, who will not participate...