Jackson Lafferty

As you know, the overall review of education renewal is very complex and comprehensive. We want to reach out to every single individual out there that we possibly can in the Northwest Territories to hear them out. Our target date, of course, is late fall/early winter. That is the target date right now. We are working towards that and we want it completed by then.

The $250,000 would offset the cost of those qualified people within that establishment. That was part of the plan, so we are working closely with both communities, Tulita and Ndilo, that have been slated for the $250,000.

Mr. Chair, even though it’s not listed on here, we are contributing to both societies. Skills Canada, we contribute I believe $80,000 on an annual basis and we continue to do that. They have other sources of revenue, funding that is coming from other agencies, as well, or industries in partnership, so it goes beyond our $80,000. Even with Mine Training Society, I believe we contributed funds for them to continue while we work with the federal government to talk about the long-term strategy. We talk about pan-territorial approach as well. The Member is correct; it may not be highlighted...

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. I would have to get my director to elaborate. He’s been involved in the process since we’ve been discussing the college for several years now. So I’ll get Mr. Devitt to elaborate.

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. This is an area that we have worked closely with the federal government. As you know, they provide funding on an annual basis to both the Aboriginal language and French language, as well, on an annual basis. We will continue to work with them.

As the Member alluded to, sometimes it’s very difficult to change the overall act if they provide funding and we still have to engage with them, but we can provide the latest update to see where we’re at. We’re hoping to introduce a bill for consideration during the life of the 17th Assembly, working closely with the federal government...

Mr. Chair, the Productive Choices, we obviously review it on an annual basis. We made a lot of changes in that area, adding to what kind of chores that those individuals should be doing, individual meaning without dependents, and with dependents and so forth. We will continue to make those changes. I am always on the look-out to regional representatives and also Aboriginal organizations and even from Members. What kind of improvements should we be making and in what areas? If there’s an area that the Member just referred to, resume writing or updating, definitely we’ll take those into...

The current formula funding is based on enrolment. That is the whole reason we are currently reviewing it. We want to make those changes because we have been told that it doesn’t reflect student needs or doesn’t do much in the area where we haven’t identified special needs. Based on the feedback that we’ve been receiving, and even through the early childhood development, the stakeholders, the three experts spoke to us, and in general and as well as in their research and studies and also the elders have told us that we need to re-emphasize and put that as a priority within our department and...

The $7.7 million that the Member is referring to, the breakdown, if I can have my director to give a detailed breakdown, if he has it before him. If not, we would have to provide that information. I don’t really see it in front of me, but we’re just going through, if you can give us a minute. Mr. Devitt has more detailed information as he just found the paper.

Mahsi, Mr. Chairman. When I talk about the recommendations, ALBE review recommendations, again, we have to work with our Aboriginal partners. Obviously, the college plays a big role as well. When we talk about community deliverance, we talk about the Literacy Council. They have been actively involved. We have seen great success in that area. Not only that, but there’s been five adult educators that have been added to Aurora College community learning centres, even through CanNor, so we are beginning to see results.

Again, accountability framework is part of the recommendations that will be...

Mr. Chair, this decision process falls under me through various venues from the board chair, the president, my deputy, associates, and those individuals are involved with the capital planning process. At the end of the day, it goes back to me as advice coming from all angles. The decision is made by me as Minister responsible for the college. The capital infrastructure, there is a process in play. That same process we follow on a constant basis every year. We do follow that and we’re talking about a 60, 80, 90 million dollar building and we have to think creatively how we can pursue that. As...