Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Now, more than ever, Northerners are realizing the importance of literacy. January 27th was Family Literacy Day. Celebrating Family Literacy Day helps recognize the important role that families play in literacy development.
The Northwest Territories has vast economic potential, and Northerners want to be able to access the jobs being created. We know that to take advantage of the opportunities, we must have a skilled, educated and literate workforce.
Family support is imperative to our children’s literacy development. Parents and elders are our children’s first and most important teachers. They are role models, and when they work at improving their own literacy skills, they demonstrate the importance of literacy. They are also the keepers of language and pass on language skills to the next generation.
Our partners in literacy are also helping to support northern families through programs such as Reaching Out to NWT Families, administered by the NWT Literacy Council. Through this program, families receive kits with books in Aboriginal languages and activities that support literacy development. As well in 2011, family literacy facilitators were trained to deliver support to families in 24 of our smaller northern communities.
This government recognizes the valuable part that families and the community play in literacy development. I am confident that by working together and believing in people, we can achieve meaningful increases in literacy levels, which will positively affect and build on the strengths of Northerners. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister of Human Resources, Mr. Abernethy.
