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Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the government and the Committee on the Sustainability of Rural and Remote Communities for all their work in trying to bring some equalization to the small communities. One item I am particularly pleased with is the Small Community Employment Strategy.
Mr. Speaker, I’ve had an opportunity to review the documents on all three employment programs. Although I’m happy with the intent, I believe that some changes must be made to the program.
Firstly, Mr. Speaker, some small communities do not have career development officer-type positions but do have client service officers. In Tu Nedhe the client service officers work half time. I feel they should be filling the role of the career development officers during the 40-week period these programs will run. These half-time positions could be used on a full-time basis for those 40 weeks. Mr. Speaker, this could be a part of the overall Employment Strategy.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, the program should be delivered at the community level as much as possible. Also during the delivery, local governments, Aboriginal governments, local businesses, should all be fully engaged.
Mr. Speaker, I see these programs as a key to providing key positions such as pre-school teachers, daycare workers and environmental workers. Mr. Speaker, each of the community governments could utilize these positions and these positions would have far-reaching positive impacts.
Mr. Speaker, it is slowly becoming common knowledge that the success of students from K to 12 is increased by being enrolled in the preschool. Therefore, if this government is serious about increasing graduation numbers in small communities, this is an example of optimal spending for the programs.
Mr. Speaker, as I’ve stated many times in this House, employment rates are a huge issue in small communities, and this government is responding with these programs. Let’s engage the leaders to ensure it is done right from the outset. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.
