Debates of October 22, 2004 (day 26)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier today, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment made an announcement with regard to the Youth Abroad Program. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister for some clarification. When he says “young people,” can he give me the definition of young people? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This program targets young people who would be or should be in high school.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that’s a lot of people who used to be in high school. Can I ask for the age of the young people? I have a high percentage of young people in my region. For example, close to 30 percent of the youth are in Tulita, same as Fort Good Hope. I would like to get more clarification in terms of the ages of the youth. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not sure there is a specific age group that’s stipulated. For instance, in the education system, if you are 20 and you have been out for a year, you are expected to go back through the college. I think the same sort of requirements would be expected in this program. So it’s similar to those found for education. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I applaud the government on this that they are going out and seeking students and leaders of tomorrow. Can the Minister let the House know, because of this program, will it hurt other programs that are funded towards the youth for the next two years?

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to make it clear that this isn’t a government program. It’s basically volunteers who are running the program. This government is providing contribution assistance for two years to assist it to get off the ground. It’s very similar to what happened with the initial program that was set up in Nunavut. That’s one of the reasons I can’t answer the age questions because I don’t have all of the criteria. We welcome all the Members here for the 2:00 p.m. launch this afternoon of the program in the Great Hall. At that time, I am sure we will be able to provide a lot more detail. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Final supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Minister. I am just getting some clarification for myself. Are the career and technology study courses offered in small communities in regions like mine? Will they have an opportunity to apply for a program such as this? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 290-15(3): NWT Youth Abroad Program

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, CTS courses are offered in schools across the Northwest Territories.