Michael Nadli

I just wanted to understand. I know the Minister did mention that this is a partnership project, in terms of ensuring that industry is on board and supporting this very vital project that will really enhance the infrastructure in terms of telecommunications in the NWT. What is the nature of the relationship with industry?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today I acknowledged the reality of the expansion of telecommunications in the small communities. My question is to the Minister of Finance. Recently, we had a very successful lobbying effort to go to Ottawa, pound the pavement over there, and score at least seven major projects. One of them was the fibre optic line. I just want to ask the Minister if he could provide an update, in terms of the plan and the vision, in terms of how that project might unfold.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In recognition of Education Week, I’d like to rise and acknowledge and congratulate my constituents Augustine Minoza, who received his Journeyman Red Seal for completing four years of carpentry with the Housing Corporation in Fort Providence. Also Delmar Bonnetrouge and Rod Bonnetrouge, who both received their Red Seal Journeyman tickets as electricians. They both live and work in Fort Providence.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I don’t really have anything specific to say at this time but I do have some comments in terms of this department is a department that takes a big chunk of the budget in terms of the overall operations of the government. There could be some further initiatives that I feel very strongly about that could be advanced. There’s always room for improvement. For the most part in leaving off the discussion, the whole principle of care, compassion and respect, I think, is more likely the vision and mission of the department. At the same time the department needs to be reminded...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to congratulate Ms. Lois Philipp, principal of the Deh Gah Elementary and Secondary School in Fort Providence, on being recognized as one of Canada’s outstanding principals for 2013. The Learning Partnership announced Ms. Philipp was one of 51 exceptional educators to receive the Award for Excellence in Public Education.

Through her leadership at the Deh Gah Elementary and Secondary School since 2004, the school has evolved from a community school with cultural inclusion to a school that is truly culture-based. In the last few years, 28 students have graduated...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is Education Week and we all need to recognize the value of an education. Many people need to recognize the value of staying in school and attending classes every day that they can. Parents need to set an example by showing respect for teachers and getting as much education as they can themselves. For many people, education is an opportunity to rise above alcohol and drug abuse. Education is critical to both health and employment status.

We recently learned that the Northwest Territories are not meeting their northern employment quotas. Low levels of education are...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I, too, will be in support of this motion. I think it’s been a while since we have been raising this matter for some time on this side of the House. I basically support what my colleagues have stated in terms of support for this sector of the economy. There’s great potential there. There’s been some great work done. I’d like to see the expansion of this initiative into the small communities, ensuring that we have a very good marketing strategy and we basically both worked on this initiative. Mahsi.

Thank you, I’d like to thank the Minister for that. What plans does the department have for engaging parents, especially Aboriginal parents, in the education of our youth? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand we’re doing all we can to advance the educational goals in the NWT. Current core values of the education system work to ensure that we have educated and well-trained professionals in the Northwest Territories. Recently, advances have been made in terms of trying to be inclusive in respecting First Nations’ culture and values and principles in the educational system.

My question to the Minister is: What is the department doing to promote the philosophy of strong like two people in addressing educational needs of the Northwest Territories residents? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I like the Minister’s response on some of the initiatives. Of course, the major initiatives are very progressive. My final question is: When will the department recognize that the NWT needs a university? Mahsi.