Date
June
2
2004
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Debates of June 2, 2004 (day 18)
Topics
Statements
Minister’s Statement 44-15(3): NWT Teachers’ Association Celebrates 50 Years
Charles Dent
Frame Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association as they celebrate their 50th anniversary in service to teachers in the Northwest Territories. During their tenure they have provided strong and effective representation for their membership, and through their work, services to the students of the Northwest Territories.
The association was first formed in Fort Smith during a teachers’ conference in 1953. At the time, there were 63 teachers in the Territories. The association was responsible for providing services to teachers spread out across a huge territory, over 1.5 million square kilometres since it included the area that is now the Nunavut territory.
Today, the NWTTA represents almost 770 teachers across the Northwest Territories in 49 schools in 31 communities.
In the North, we have been blessed with some of the most dedicated teachers the profession has to offer. Each of these individuals have been represented in a highly ethical and professional manner by their association, and it is an effective voice for the profession.
The NWTA has been an effective voice in contract negotiations for their membership. While these negotiations have had some challenges, we know that the NWTA representatives were always bargaining for the best possible outcomes for their members.
As well as highlighting the 50th anniversary of the NWTTA, I would like to acknowledge the accomplishments of an individual who has worked tirelessly on behalf of his membership, Mr. David Murphy. Mr. Murphy was first elected president of the NWTTA in 2000 and then acclaimed by his membership for this present term, which ends this month. His work has been significant for his membership, ensuring that the association placed a strong focus on professional growth and in strengthening the education system as a whole.
I would like to close by thanking the NWTTA for its 50 years of service. We look forward to working together in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause