Debates of May 19, 2011 (day 11)

I thank Members for allowing me to return to item 8. Just a few questions I have regarding the Licenced Practical Nursing Program. It’s currently scheduled to be offered in Inuvik this fall. I’d like to ask the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment when the last time the Licenced Practical Nurse Program, the LPN course, was held anywhere in the Northwest Territories.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have the specific information in front of me, but I do know that this particular program is in the works in Inuvik. When I was there for the Beaufort-Delta Aboriginal Achievement Initiative meeting, I did tour the campus, as well. They have all the supplies already set up. They’re just looking for third-party funding, as well.

I think it’s great news that the LPN Program is going to be offered in Inuvik. I congratulate the department and Aurora College on doing that. I’d like to ask the Minister if there’s any thought that sometime down the road this course could be offered at Aurora College here in Yellowknife, given the success of the Northern Nursing Program here in Yellowknife.

I can share this with the College Board of Governors. I do meet with them and especially with the chair. I can relay the message on to them.

They do have their short and long-term plans, as well, on what kind of courses to be delivered in the three main campuses. They can highlight what’s going to be delivered at the Yellowknife Campus for the next five to 10 years.

I’d like to ask the Minister if Aurora College does any research into potential students for programs like the LPN Program and, if so, have they done any of that market research in Inuvik and Yellowknife, or Fort Smith for that matter, to gauge the interest of having that program run in those communities.

That information would be with the college. I need to gather that information from either the college president or the board chair. With the information that we have through the Inuvik area, it’s all preliminary at this point. As I stated, we are looking for third-party funding and a federal contribution as well. If all goes well, we’re hoping to have those students taking the course in due time.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Final supplementary, Mr. Ramsay.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to just end by asking the Minister, again, I think we’re trying to get as many northern people involved in the health care field here in the Northwest Territories and opportunities to advance themselves through training. The LPN Program is one of these areas I think we could expand upon. I’d like to ask the Minister if he would commit to getting back to me on whether or not Aurora College will offer the LPN Program in Yellowknife for residents here in Yellowknife who want to take that course.

I will be seeking that information from the college and will get back to the Members on the courses that are being delivered in Yellowknife. If this particular course is going to be delivered here, when that is going to be taking place. I need to gather that information and I will be sharing that.

Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.