Debates of October 24, 2006 (day 14)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In my Member’s statement today, I spoke about the need to have a territorial celebration of the arts. What I was getting at is the Northwest Territories needs to take the lead on initiatives to help embrace and help promote our arts community. So, Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment is, would he look into establishing an NWT arts achievement award night? It could either be an annual or semi-annual event. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Return To Question 173-15(5): Visual And Performing Arts Celebrations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Arts Strategy did talk about a need for us to consider an awards program for the arts. I think that it would make good sense for us to consider something like an awards evening or an event to draw some attention to those awards programs. This was reinforced when, in September, ITI and ECE had a consultation group take another look at the Arts Strategy and give us recommendations. They reiterated that we needed to take a look at doing something like that. I will certainly talk to my colleague with ITI to see whether or not we can move forward with such a program.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Hawkins.

Supplementary To Question 173-15(5): Visual And Performing Arts Celebrations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That was a very welcoming answer from the Minister. I appreciate his collaboration and the necessity to talk to the Minister of ITI. Mr. Speaker, my next question to the Minister is, could he sort of outline some time frame that he could look at getting back to committee with this initiative? Could he look at doing this maybe before the next session that begins in February? Could he get back to us on that detail? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 173-15(5): Visual And Performing Arts Celebrations

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are waiting for the final report from the group that we brought together in September. Sometime after we get that final report, I will sit down with my colleague. I expect that will be before the next session. I expect that, between ITI and ECE, we will be able to have some answers before the February session.