Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
I rise once again to implore this government to hear the needs of the community of Trout Lake who wish to see a stand-alone school. Trout Lake is one of the many growing communities in the NWT. Younger families have been moving back and there are more children in the community. Also, technically the previous Charles Tetcho School was never replaced. Our government promised to replace it but it was never done.
The school is presently housed in the community recreation centre. Actually, government has some planned renovations to this facility this summer to accommodate the needs of the teachers and students from learning in a one-room school. This is great, but in the long term not good enough.
The Louie Norwegian School in Jean Marie River is a good example and probably not that costly a solution for a school that Trout Lake is looking for. The chief, counsellors, elders and staff always look to the future. They know that the youth are their future and want to ensure the very best for them. They also point out that our government’s priorities are to take care of our youth and to have the best education. All they are asking for is for us to follow our own priorities.
All the big schools are almost completed. It’s time to take care of our small communities like Trout Lake. The Minister of Education, Culture and Employment must recognize the needs of the community and assure a budget for the new school is in the next capital planning process.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
