Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is Education Week. This world requires many resources. Even through the buildings and books or basic supplies all schools need in today’s world, much more is needed. Our kids are increasingly left behind. In the Beaufort-Delta communities everything, our adequate, reliable housing, living programs contribute to community successful graduation rate.
Several weeks ago I mentioned in the House currently there are eight students in the Nunakput community of Sachs Harbour who, for various reasons, have left high school in Inuvik and moved back home. Reasons include nowhere to live, not enough resources and support. Support from this government and the Beaufort-Delta education is lacking.
In other Member’s statements I’ve highlighted problems with some school buildings. The schools are not big enough for the number of students they have, from the size of the gymnasium to the size of the library. At Mangilaluk School, for instance, there is a lack of space in the whole building that needs to be redone to bring it up to standards. We’re far below the territorial standards. Ulukhaktok, a Nunakput community, schools have old, outdated, second-hand, broken down computers that are often incompatible with modern software and e-ware. According to the school principal, most computers are even incompatible with the satellite linkup for the telehealth in Ulukhaktok.
According to Karen Kitekudlak, the chairperson of the district education authority in Ulukhaktok, the condition of Helen Kalvak School is worsening. This school was once the pride of Nunakput and was designed to have been built so beautifully. Now I ask this government what happened.
Sachs seriously lacks adequate accommodation for teachers and this coming school year the recruitment and retention of good teachers in the small communities such as the Nunakput community of Sachs are very dependent on providing adequate housing for teachers.
Over the years, schools have come a long way and have grown from one-room shacks to multi-functional facilities and more, as needed. Compared to national standards, our students are far below average in everything.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.
Our students are far below average in everything from adequate textbooks to square footage per student. Nunakput communities are experiencing very unique educational challenges for our youth. How much longer will this government take before they recognize some of these things that have to be done? This government must implement measures and recommendations made by numerous organizations and community governments.
We’re going to truly educate our youth to be competitive nationally, commit to supply our schools with adequate resources required for today’s educational challenges needs. I urge this government to implement per student calculation standards that students in tax-based communities receive, factoring in northern costs associated in small, remote communities. I will have questions for the Minister of Education at the appropriate time.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
