Debates of October 19, 2006 (day 11)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to stress the vital need for a public library in Behchoko. As we know, the public library plays a vital role in the communities. Learning and enhancing reading skills and opening minds to new ideas are all positive effects that the libraries can provide. My question is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Can the Minister tell me what funding he can make available for a public library in the community of Behchoko? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 137-15(5): Funding For Public Library In Behchoko

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The department has no capital funds in its budget for any libraries in the Northwest Territories. Having said that, I've offered previously to meet with the Member and representatives from Behchoko to see if there's anything that we can, perhaps, look at in a joint proposal. But at this point, this government doesn't have any money for any library for capital expenditure. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Supplementary To Question 137-15(5): Funding For Public Library In Behchoko

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm curious on the funding for these libraries across the Northwest Territories, whether it be Yellowknife, Hay River or the Fort Smith Area; the public libraries. The Minister just indicated that there's no funding from the GNWT as a contribution to these libraries. I'd like to know where this funding is coming from to support these libraries because it's under education. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 137-15(5): Funding For Public Library In Behchoko

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For instance, the library in the city of Yellowknife was built by the City of Yellowknife and it's run and operated by the City of Yellowknife. So what has happened in those communities that have libraries, the communities themselves have generally been responsible for providing them.

Last year, ECE helped six communities expand the services that they deliver through their school libraries to open them to the public. Where we can find ways to assist communities to do that, when we have the funds we're prepared to jump in. But when it comes to building a brand new library, this government is hard pressed to deliver its current capital program and we haven't been able to expand any of our capital programming to build new libraries.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. Supplementary, Mr. Lafferty.

Supplementary To Question 137-15(5): Funding For Public Library In Behchoko

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Minister's willingness to sit down with the Tlicho Community Services Agency or the community government of Behchoko. He outlined the six communities that receive funding on special projects. It would be great to have Behchoko as the seventh community, possibly for next year as a project. So when could the Minister meet with the Behchoko community government or Tlicho Community Services Agency on establishing a public library in Behchoko as a partnership? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 137-15(5): Funding For Public Library In Behchoko

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd be happy to meet with the Member and see if we can find a mutually convenient time in the very near future.