Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. We know how important the first three years are in a child’s life. That is when they build the foundation for their future learning and growth. Responsibility for early childhood development is shared between two GNWT departments and Health Canada. In fact, Health Canada is the main funder of one of the best early childhood programs in this territory. I refer to the Open Door Society in my home community. It was founded 17 years ago and is supported by a very dedicated volunteer board. The Open Door has five staff who run programs for children up to age 12, from nine in the morning until eight o’clock at night, all at no cost to the parents.
The Busy Bee program is for three year olds, focusing on social skills and large motor activity. There is a preschool program for four year olds and a playgroup. There is a toy lending library. The society runs the annual Easter egg hunt and many other activities for the children of the community.
The bad news, Mr. Speaker, is that Open Door runs on a shoestring budget. It is amazing what they do with so little. They can’t afford employee benefits. Money for training is also hard to come by, but it’s even harder to find well-trained staff. These are areas where our government could do better.
In addition, Open Door has to apply for money pretty well every year. The society does get supportive funding from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and a room at the Bompas School at a low cost. I should mention that in our government, ECE shares responsibility for early childhood development with Health and Social Services. That department is finally expanding the Healthy Family Program into Nahendeh this year and I am pleased that it is happening.
But support for early childhood programs is insufficient and too fragmented, especially for small communities that may want to start something like the Open Door Society. I would like to see that problem addressed. Mahsi cho.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.
