Jackson Lafferty

We did present the ASA during the process, and we can provide that as soon as we have that information from the regional leadership to say where we’re going with this. We can provide an update to the standing committee.

I didn’t highlight just education parties. There have been various organizations that are involved in the discussion right at the start of the ASA forum that we initiated in the Sahtu region in September until just last week. Those key areas of early childhood development, the discussion from the parties, such as my department, is education and early childhood, and also school services. Also the grandmothers, the parents that are actively involved in education matters. Some have retired but came back to lend their support to provide services as much as they can towards this product that’s...

Those different contribution agreements we have conducted in the past with the First Nations community organizations. We can look at it as a potential to explore those areas and see what can come out of that or involve the Member in the discussion, as well.

I need to work with the Member on the specific item that he’s referring to and defining the flexibility. We do have staff at the community level that work closely with the regional office, and also from regional office to headquarter office. We can provide those valuable services to the community through that venue.

When we talk about it at the community level, if we don’t have people present, then how can we deliver that program effectively? Those are areas that we need to seriously look at and how can we deliver those in a timely manner and efficiently. I will continue to work with the...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to thank the Member for asking that question, because this has been in the works for some time now.

The alternative school programming consists of Hay River, as well, and there have been several meetings between the school boards and my department. I did make a commitment to visit the schools as well, which I did when I was in Hay River for the Aboriginal Student Achievement Initiative. I went to see the students there. But what it came down to is as of March we decided to look at the tentative school programming and let’s hire a consultant to have a thorough...

Mahsi. First of all, I’d just like to commend the DEA and DECs, and also the Members, for voicing their concerns about this particular programming. Yes, the program changes, there will be an increase in funding that’s satisfactory to DEAs, DECs and our department. So that is in the works and it will be announced and the funding will be flowed through as of July 1st on the school year. So it’s good news for the communities that we represent on the alternative school programming. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Improving skills for living and working is one of the ways the Government of the Northwest Territories is working to maximize opportunities for our residents and pursue the Legislative Assembly’s goal of a diversified economy. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment makes significant investments in skills training and employment development to ensure that northern residents can meet the demand of northern employers.

The Northwest Territories Labour Force Development Framework -- People, Partnerships, Possibilities -- is the result of northern partners coming...

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to recognize Ms. Jillian Huber who is a University of Regina social work practicum student who is doing her spring/summer project in the community justice division of the Department of Justice. I’d like to welcome her. Mahsi.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Further to my Return to Written Question 1-16(6), I wish to table the following three documents entitled: Listing of Nutrition, Healthy Eating and Healthy Foods Program; Listing of NWT Community Wellness Programs; and Eligibility for GNWT School-Based Nutrition, Healthy Eating and Healthy Foods Programs. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to update the House on the Department of Justice’s work to improve policing services across the territory.

As we all know, encouraging, nurturing and building partnerships is the foundation on which the Northwest Territories was built. Throughout the life of the 16th Legislative Assembly, the Department of Justice has been working on a new model for policing in the North. This model, the Partnership Approach, acknowledges our uniqueness, builds on our strengths, and fosters stronger relationships with our communities. Effective planning for police services must...