Debates of May 26, 2004 (day 13)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment on the Chief Albert Wright School overcrowding. As I mentioned earlier in my Member’s statement, our children deserve a comfortable and safe learning environment in which they can grow and develop. The situation for teachers and students in Inuvik illustrates the challenge of the northern school facilities. The learning environment of Chief Albert Wright School is another example of the…(inaudible)…Unfortunately the construction of the Chief Albert Wright School won’t be completed until the spring of 2007. Mr. Speaker, in light of the recent collapse of Inuvik’s Samuel Hearne School roof and the added pressure that’s going to be placed on already strained infrastructure, can I have a commitment from the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment that the construction of a new school in Tulita will not be delayed? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 132-15(3): Deteriorating Conditions In NWT Schools

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member knows, this assembly has to approve the funds for a capital plan, but it will certainly be my intention to move the funding forward for that school replacement as expected and shown in the infrastructure plan for the next few years.

Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 132-15(3): Deteriorating Conditions In NWT Schools

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister and Cabinet says we have to wait for a decision in terms of moving the project up for the Chief Albert Wright School, and the overcrowding in our schools makes it very challenging. Would the Minister provide the position of providing portable classrooms to alleviate the overcrowding in the interim for Chief Albert Wright School? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 132-15(3): Deteriorating Conditions In NWT Schools

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In a few weeks, I will be travelling to the Sahtu with the Member. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with the community and discuss what needs to happen in that project to replace the school. We can certainly have that discussion with the community when we get there.