Debates of June 7, 2006 (day 7)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during the budget session, I spoke to the desire of the Children First Society in Inuvik to have their needs incorporated into a new school being built up in Inuvik. Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak on the work that they continue to do.

I believe theirs is a worthy cause, Mr. Speaker, and I will continue to be an advocate for the society. Mr. Speaker, the society has put together an excellent proposal to justify their position. Over 30 businesses and agencies have given letters of support and close to 300 residents have given their support by signing a petition. They even have a detailed floor plan that meets their requirement. They put a budget together, along with an estimate from a local contractor, of about $2.5 million. Firmer numbers will not be available until after the design phase. Mr. Speaker, can you imagine the amount of bingos that need to be held to raise that kind of money?

Mr. Speaker, many students who attend Aurora College from surrounding communities will have a safe learning environment for their children. Mr. Speaker, this government stresses the importance of early learning and childcare and we have a group that have put together a strong case for an early childhood facility that we should support. They did the work on their own with no consultants. They have done all the legwork. The ball is now in our court, so let’s not drop it. We have to send a message, Mr. Speaker, that we don’t just talk the talk, but we also walk the walk. Thank you.

---Applause