Debates of June 2, 2005 (day 7)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today to once again voice my concern with regard to education. You might say it’s a running record of this topic; in particular, a need for high school and grade extensions.

In a previous Member’s statement, Madam Speaker, I voiced a concern of a need for a separate high school in Tuktoyaktuk. The Minister has responded on numerous occasions that numbers of enrolment do not justify our need for a separate high school. Madam Speaker, this may be true. However, the DEA in Tuk has indicated to me that there are a number of dropouts that may return to complete their Grade 12 if there was a separate high school. Integrating students from K to 12 is not a solution that seems to be working, Madam Speaker.

Presently in the Tuk school, the library and school counsellor’s room must turn into a classroom. Therefore, this has left the school without a library. How can the students find immediate resources to complete their assignments?

In another scenario, Madam Speaker, a request from my community was for grade extensions. I understand this decision will be up to the Beaufort-Delta Divisional Education Council. I understand also that the request was made to BDDEC for consideration. I was told before this session, there are at least 10 students who would return to school if there was a grade extension. Does the Minister have any authority to make the BDDEC take this into consideration very seriously?

Madam Speaker, education is important to all students, but without the necessary resources, as in larger centres, it is difficult to complete an education. I hope the Minister can consider making the appropriate decision and allow students outside the larger centres to have needed resources to complete their education. Thank you, Madam Speaker.