Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In small, remote communities in Nunakput, recruitment and retention of good teachers is a serious problem. Every year we have a huge number of teachers coming and going. This affects the learning of our students.
In the community of Tuktoyaktuk we have a teacher who will be retiring after almost 30 years teaching in the community. I had the honour of being one of Anna Marie Cameron’s students, as were my children, and many others also had the honour, as well. Her absence from the school will leave a large void that will not be easy to fill. In addition, all of her hard work will never be forgotten. However, unfortunately, she will not be retiring alone. Many others will also and leaving the community of Tuktoyaktuk: Mrs. Robin Hayslip, 27 years; John and Monica Dawson, 10 years; Gary Dufferais, nine years; and Sandra Roberts, two years.
The contributions of these teachers in the community of Tuktoyaktuk will never be forgotten. Their legacies of developing capacity in Tuktoyaktuk will benefit the future generations of students and youth in the community. The teachers in housing subsidy contract with the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment in our community is extremely important to the ongoing quality of our education and the success of our students. In the past, the Minister committed to continuing this arrangement and effort for the renewal of the extension. The contract expired March 31, 2011.
Mr. Speaker, it’s very important for our schools and students. Many communities lack adequate accommodation for their teachers. This upcoming school year, the recruitment and retention of good teachers in small, isolated communities such as Tuktoyaktuk and all across the territory is critical to the continuing success of our students all across the territory, Mr. Speaker.
Recently, this government initiated the Come Make Your Mark campaign. This campaign is an attempt to attract people to our North. But many residents have said how can we attract people to the North when housing conditions are so desperate. Housing has been identified as one of the most important reasons when it comes to recruitment and retention of teachers.
These developments go to the very core of our challenge facing small communities.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, these developments go to the very core of the challenge facing small and remote communities, especially in the Nunakput region. Due to the unique geographic challenges and the enormous operating costs, our communities are continuously disadvantaged while trying to provide the same services to the people that we serve and the students, Mr. Speaker.
I will have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment at the appropriate time. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
