Nahendeh

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. With regard to the Dehcho Divisional Education Council, there’s a reduction of four positions, as indicated in the details here. I’d just like an explanation from the Minister, please.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

The community library in Fort Simpson was severely reduced two years ago and is now just a resource centre. The community of Fort Simpson residents were looking for assistance to upgrade, in fact, from a resource centre to a library where there are actual books. Right now there’s just a series of four computers and older books from a library. Even though it works well for residents who are used to the system, the library, the previous library was still a central point for the community and for hosting author events, et cetera. It’s central to any community. The large communities, of course...

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

I certainly look forward to that document. Final question here is, as the Minister may have already answered it, the Early Child Development Framework for Action has not been revised since 2001, as was mentioned earlier in the Members’ statements earlier this afternoon. That work is certainly behind schedule. When will that work be completed and when will the recommended actions be funded?

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

Sounds like there is funding available, probably a couple of different types of programming areas. There are a couple of things, I guess. How are they available to communities and is the current funding already subscribed to, which means I guess basically is all being taken up? Is there opportunity for other communities to get involved? Should they be planning it now or in the future?

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Committee wishes to resume consideration of Tabled Document 3-17(3), Northwest Territories Main Estimates 2012-2013, with Education, Culture and Employment, Transportation, and possibly Environment and Natural Resources.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have several O and M questions that I just wanted to note. Given the time, I move that we report progress.

---Carried

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. We know how important the first three years are in a child’s life. That is when they build the foundation for their future learning and growth. Responsibility for early childhood development is shared between two GNWT departments and Health Canada. In fact, Health Canada is the main funder of one of the best early childhood programs in this territory. I refer to the Open Door Society in my home community. It was founded 17 years ago and is supported by a very dedicated volunteer board. The Open Door has five staff who run programs for children up to age 12, from nine in the...

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Just with regard to airports, I know that we’ve made some significant headway with some of the small communities in my riding in terms of infrastructure and some runway lighting issues. I’d certainly like to continue to ensure that they are followed up. Begging the committee’s indulgence, I do want to speak about the Trout Lake Airport construction. It’s a capital issue but it’s kind of stalled right now. I believe the government’s going to be taking over controlling the contract. The concern from the community is that they don’t lose out. The concern for me...

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

I’ll certainly look to the ASA Initiative to track it properly and then do a good assessment, because I know that in our schools in the smaller communities, especially at the district, you see the loss of four positions, but a 0.5 position is a huge decrease in the very, very small communities at a time when we look to our education system and want to utilize as many teachers as we can. Having a reduction, even though it’s based on formula, it still impacts our school. I look forward to the progress of the Aboriginal Student Achievement Initiative.

Debates of , 17th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

Has the department been tracking why the student numbers have decreased at all? Is it the older age group? Is it the younger age group? What efforts are they taking to analyze this, and maybe if there are missing children from school, to perhaps get them back in school. What is the cause of these numbers and the reductions? Thank you.