Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this week, I spoke about the Government of the Northwest Territories’ support for day care facilities and the government’s involvement in the provision of childcare.

The focal point of my concerns is that it is very obvious and clear to me that the Government of the Northwest Territories does not treat non-profit day cares equitably. Case in point, Mr. Speaker, is a day care in my riding that continues to have financial difficulties while the government just sits by and continues to allow inequities to exist. This non-profit day care is Northern Tikes, formerly known as Neshda. When their former building downtown could not be brought up to code to meet new fire regulations, the decision was made to relocate. The day care was denied government space, denied start-up grants because they were already in operation, and left to fend for themselves. Mr. Speaker, this day care spends over $100,000 per year just on rent for the space they occupy.

The Government of the Northwest Territories provides rent free, all maintenance costs paid, space to other day cares. I have seen the operating budget for Northern Tikes and there just is no room in it for them to replace toys, books, carpets, games or furniture to provide a better environment for the children to be in. They just continue to try and do their best with what they have and for this, they should be commended. Staff turnover continues to be incredibly high and they just can’t afford to pay workers competitive wages.

I asked the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment questions the other day on why inequities of the magnitude of $100,000 per year are allowed to exist. I was not satisfied with his answers and I believe the government should clearly explain its position on assistance for non-profit day cares. Mr. Speaker, I have a number of questions today for both the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and the Minister of Public Works, the Minister responsible for charity leases to some of these day cares. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause