[English translation not provided.]
Today I would like to talk about the Food First Program and its positive impacts on the two schools in Tu Nedhe. The Food First Program in the schools has allowed schools to ensure that kids have at least one good, healthy meal per day. The program has even allowed the parents to become more involved with the students by coming into the schools and preparing breakfast for the students in Lutselk’e. In the Deninu School in Fort Resolution the school has combined the Food First Program with the Kids in the Kitchen Program to prepare a good, healthy breakfast for the students each morning.
I have spoken in the past about the importance of education and within that how essential it is for the students to attend school regularly. The Food First Program has reduced absenteeism in the schools. In other words, absenteeism is down as a result of this breakfast program. In addition, it helps a lot of students to get to school on time as they get there, enjoy a tasty breakfast, and are off to their first class.
The Food First Program has had so many positive impacts that this government must find a way to continue the program for the rest of the school year and into the future. The elimination of this program is a step backwards for our government in as far as building a vibrant and educational society in the Northwest Territories.
I will have questions for the Minister of Education at the appropriate time today.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
