[English translation not provided.]
Today I want to speak about the need for safe playground equipment in Fort Liard. We are well aware of the importance of physical activity for children’s health. Recently the media has reported that exercise is linked with a greater ability for children to concentrate in classrooms. This is important for us to ensure that our children have opportunities to play games and have fun. I’m not talking about sedentary activities like computer games and indoor activities.
When the weather’s a bit warmer than today, if you go by a school playground at recess you’ll hear a swirl of voices as children move around and talk and yell. We pretty well take playgrounds for granted, but they are very important.
The Acho Dene School’s, in Fort Liard, existing equipment is beyond repair and the pressure treatment used on the wood does not meet current national standards for safety. The equipment is currently frozen in place and attempting to remove it before spring is almost impossible as the site also needs to be backfilled and re-levelled. It’s too bad the playground couldn’t have been upgraded earlier.
However, the Dehcho Division Board of Education is working with Education, Culture and Employment regarding funding for the replacement to the equipment and the Public Works and Services facility planning division has also been in contact with ECE regarding replacement. Education, Culture and Employment is working to identify the funding in next year’s budget, if possible. That’s in 2011. I believe that the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment should ensure that funding is provided to remove and replace this playground in this fiscal year. I also believe that safety to our school children is a priority that we cannot wait until next year for.
I will ask the Minister questions at the appropriate time.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.
