Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The high school years are difficult for many students. It can even be tough for sensible and smart young people who get strong support from their parents. The reality is that teenagers face some big challenges and a lot of pressure. I’m sure we all remember if we think about it. I fear those challenges were forgotten when the system was designed to support students who have to leave home to complete high school.
This is still happening in our small communities such as Tsiigehtchic and Sachs Harbour. Those students go to high school in Inuvik and have to live with other families in their homes. Sometimes this works out and sometimes it doesn’t, but all too often students don’t get the support they need. In some cases it’s dealing with distractions of living in a larger centre. Sometimes the arrangements actually cause additional problems. The result is too many young people drop out of high school and go back home.
We cannot let that go on without doing something about it. I know the issue was raised many times by our colleague Mr. Jacobson during the 16th Assembly, so I am surprised it seems to have fallen upon deaf ears. Our students will be back in Inuvik again this fall and there is still no sign of a boarding home to accommodate them.
In reviewing this matter, I noted that the Education Minister often said during the 16th Assembly, that student accommodation in Inuvik is the responsibility of the district education authority. I am again surprised the Minister has suggested he is not the boss.
Someone has to be accountable when district authorities fail to provide the basic support our students need. If students from Tsiigehtchic and Sachs Harbour are going to succeed in high school, they need a stable environment in a boarding home.
