Jackson Lafferty

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. There has been no policy change in the senior secondary school administrative handbook on this particular subject. The core French 30 does not exist anymore in Alberta. French 30 did not have a former exam from Alberta, as well; Alberta education. In no other subject do we or Alberta permit the students to challenge a course in which outcomes have been covered in previous level courses.

This is a particular issue that was discussed with the French coordinators at the divisional education council and the district education authority in June 2011, and they also agree with the...

Mr. Speaker, I agree that we need to reach out to the parents, as well, along with the French coordinators and the divisional education council. We will do that. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

This is this information that we received from the Department of Education in Alberta. We follow their curriculum, as well, and the examinations. They’ve also provided some information and also within our department working with the French coordinators that there were some concerns raised where some groups, if the French immersion students increased their average with a course where the outcome is already credited, how fairly are they competing against other students that are applying for the same post-secondary institution. There could be an unfair practice as well. All those are taken into...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. This is the area that we need to work closely with the Beaufort-Delta Department of Education, and also local education authority. We provide funding through them based on enrollment. There are PTR and also inclusive schooling. That is their contribution through BDDAC and then on through the communities. When it comes to teachers, it is really up to the school board to hire those teachers, hire those professionals, so we will continue to work with them. If there is a need in the specific most current school, then that will be addressed next time I meet with the board chairs...

Again, we have initiated a discussion just last week. There are players involved now. The corporate sectors, the city, the college, the GNWT is a partner in this and exploring options, as we indicated. Those are the areas of interest to us. We want to explore those options so we can share with our standing committee. We need to move forward on this. At this point we are renewing the lease agreement, so that is first things first and getting out and integrating with the potential partners. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I do agree that there needs to be a stand-alone campus along with other jurisdictions similar to them. However, we have to find the funds within the Government of the Northwest Territories to make that a reality.

There have been several meetings that happened over the years. Just recently there has been a meeting between the GNWT, college and city, just preliminary discussions that we have been having. We want to focus on what our options are that we can work with.

At the current stage, the lease agreement is up for the Northern United Place. We are in the process of...

Aboriginal Student Achievement Initiative is in the works during the implementation stages. We work closely with BDDAC on this particular subject. When it comes to hiring additional teachers, this could be a discussion that we could have with the school board identifying a specialized teacher through the ASA if that needs to be the case. It has to be at the board level. I will be discussing that with them as well. Mahsi.

First of all we have to go through a process to find the funds. Those are the areas that we are discussing at this point. When that happens, then we will notify the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes, those are the areas we are exploring and working closer with the Department of Public Works and Services as well. These are the areas that we have continuously in discussion with potential partners that may be out there.

There has been an issue that has been brought to our attention, is more emphasis on trades programming. There will be several partners potentially involved in this. Those are the discussions that we have recently had and will continue to have. We will keep Members up to speed on what is happening with that progress. Mahsi.

Mr. Speaker, by all means, if there is an indication, we are willing to accept and go to communities. I think that is part of the job that we have here. I am looking forward to visiting those communities. Mahsi.