Robert Hawkins

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment what he’s doing about holding the mines to account on their economic agreements and perhaps even inviting the opportunity of having the mines – let’s be very clear – subsidize a northern workforce to come south to work at those mines. So, in short, what is the Minister of ITI doing with regard to Section 10 of the socio-economic agreement in having ensured it’s implemented and fulfilled? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions will be again to the Minister of Education regarding inclusive schooling. Maybe, for this moment, on my first question I’ll ask the Minister his version of what is inclusive schooling. Maybe he can explain that. What is the purpose of the money and how does it help the students?

Thank you. If the Minister responsible for Education doesn’t want to be responsible for the inclusive education, maybe we should be asking him today who should be responsible for this and how has it improved the lives and education of students who need inclusive education money. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and my question is simple. Does he support inclusive education and can he explain it? How and why?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many schools, including those in Yellowknife, are shortchanged when it comes to support in funding for inclusive schooling. This is the practice of including all students with special needs in regular classes and providing the extra support they certainly need and deserve.

Yellowknife schools are attracting special needs students from far and wide. Why? Because it’s a clear demonstration of the good quality schools we have here. As well, sometimes the families need to come to Yellowknife for the other services, which include health care, respite and counselling.

Insuffic...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to let the Minister know, and certainly the deputy minister know, I sincerely appreciated that detailed example because the traditional economy is very important to Northerners, as we all know.

I just want to change subjects, but on the same page. It’s no surprise that I, as well as many of the Members in this House, am very supportive of the film industry. We’ve seen such phenomenal growth and attention of the world. I think we’re just on the cusp of greater success, and in talking to many of the filmmakers in the Northwest Territories that some of whom I’ve...

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to say briefly, I too will be voting in favour of the motion. I think any way that we can help buttress very important if not supercritical industry to draw new money into the territory, I think we need to take every step we can, as highlighted by Mr. Dolynny. He’s quite right that this is an industry that draws good money, well-invested money into a return that is fantastic and, of course, in times of trying to compete with the world of interest and getting people in your area to spend money and invest money and be part of the opportunities, this certainly...

Mr. Speaker, the question is simple. How has he made inclusive education better by these reductions? The people want that answered. Thank you.

I have to admit that I didn’t understand that answer. I heard needs in various areas and those key areas. With all those various needs and community needs and various area needs, maybe the Minister can explain how a reduction in funding does a better program delivery. I’m not talking about the upcoming review. I’m talking about the reduction of the $26 million he’s talking about. How does that create better services and supports for those students?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister hasn’t explained how he’s improved education by reducing money rather than just saying there’s a review. It’s not normal to delete money just before a review. So maybe the Minister can explain his master plan as to how he plans to improve inclusive education by reducing their funds that are required. Thank you.