Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to continue the thoughts of Mr. Yakeleya. He was speaking about broken promises by our government to our communities. This reflects upon the issue of Trout Lake and their school.
More and more families are returning to Trout Lake and the community is growing. It is a beautiful place. It is not surprising that people in the region are coming back after leaving for school and other pursuits. This is really good for the community and the people are happy about it, but the growth is putting more pressure on the school.
It is basically a one-room school that is more than 30 years old. The small renovation that was done cannot hide this fact and did not solve the problem. It is not a modern school with modern features or conveniences. It is overcrowded, with about 20 students. Replacing the school is a high priority for the residents and the community leadership. I have brought that message to the Education Minister many times and raised it in this House, as Members well know.
Given the critical need for a new school in Trout Lake, I do not understand the slow pace of advancing the project. Work is not due to begin until 2018. That is simply too far away. The school is already bursting at the seams. I have asked the Minister to initiate a planning study, but we are still waiting. The government has focused attention on larger infrastructure projects, and in the larger communities, I might add, that seems at the expense that is badly needed in the small communities. I don’t want to say that this is the pattern, but I am beginning to wonder.
I want to get at the most important issue here. Our young people need a good education. We know that education, good employment and good health are closely linked. We have worked hard on the Anti-Poverty Strategy and early childhood education programs. If we are going to see that pay off for our people, we have to deliver high quality schooling from kindergarten to Grade 12. Trout Lake needs a new school. It is as simple as that. We need to get on with it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
