Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Last October at a public meeting in Fort Simpson with the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment in attendance, parents raised concerns about Bompas Elementary School playground. The old playground was pressure-treated wood and had to be removed for safety reasons. The play area designated for kindergarten and grade 1 children is equipped, but the area designated for grade 2 and 3 is empty. The area designated for grade 4, 5 and 6 has only a few structures that are in rough shape. This is a bad situation.
As we all know, the importance of physical activity for children’s health, having safe environment for kids in the fresh air goes a long ways towards keeping them happy. The Fort Simpson’s group Parents for Playgrounds, which also includes teachers, has estimated that the total cost of a new playground is about $60,000 and they have been fundraising and making requests for corporate donations. Their goal is to raise $30,000.
I’m really impressed with the parents’ and teachers’ dedication to make sure that children in Fort Simpson have play equipment that will be used for years to come.
Recently Fort Liard raised funds to replace playground equipment that was falling to pieces and ECE matched the funds raised, providing the assistance through the district education authority. This is encouraging to the parents group and they’re working hard towards their goal of replacing the playground equipment.
The group Parents for Playgrounds is asking the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment for the same assistance. I wholeheartedly support this request. They are working closely with the district education authority and the Dehcho Divisional Council. They do need more support. I look forward to the Minister confirming he will provide funding for the playground equipment at the Bompas Elementary School.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
