Debates of June 13, 2024 (day 27)

June
13
2024
Session
20th Assembly, 1st Session
Day
27
Speaker
Shane Thompson
Word PDF
Members Present
Hon. Caitlin Cleveland, Mr. Edjericon, Hon. Lucy Kuptana, Hon. Jay Macdonald, Hon. Vince McKay, Mr. McNeely, Ms. Morgan, Mr. Morse, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Ms. Reid, Mr. Rodgers, Hon. Lesa Semmler, Mr. Testart, Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Weyallon Armstrong, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek, Mrs. Yakeleya
Assembly Members
Topics
Acknowledgement 7-20(1): Retirement of Theresa Bonnetrouge
Acknowledgement 8-20(1): Monfwi Graduates
Bill 10: Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 20242025
Bill 10: Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 20242025, Carried
Bill 9: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 20242025, Carried
Bill 9: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 1, 20242025
Member’s Statement 306-20(1): Accessing Lab Work
Member’s Statement 307-20(1): Supports for Tourism
Member’s Statement 308-20(1): Gratitude
Member’s Statement 309-20(1): Mackenzie Valley Highway
Member’s Statement 310-20(1): Wellness and Addictions
Member’s Statement 311-20(1): Thank You
Member’s Statement 312-20(1): Improving Indigenous Student Outcomes in the Northwest Territories
Member’s Statement 313-20(1): Thank You
Member’s Statement 314-20(1): Federal Top-Up Funding for Enterprise
Member’s Statement 315-20(1): Wedding Congratulations
Member’s Statement 316-20(1): Congratulations to Coaches
Member’s Statement 317-20(1): Congratulations to Fort Smith Graduates
Member’s Statement 318-20(1): Special Olympics Constituent Congratulations
Member’s Statement 319-20(1): HIghlights for Nahendeh
Minister’s Statement 56-20(1): Western Premier’s Conference 2024
Minister’s Statement 57-20(1): Maintenance and Repairs
Minister’s Statement 58-20(1): School Support Assistant Pilot Program
Motion 37-20(1): Mackenzie Valley Highway Business Case Renewal, Carried
Motion 38-20(1): Consideration for the Hamlet of Enterprise to Receive Top-Up Funding, Carried
Motion 39-20(1): Extended Adjournment of the House to October 17, 2024, Carried
Question 294-20(1): Supports for Tourism
Question 295-20(1): Lands Staff in Sahtu
Question 296-20(1): Access to Lab Work
Question 296-20(1): Federal Funding for Enterprise
Question 297-20(1): Wellness and Addictions Recommendations
Recorded Vote
Recorded Voted
Tabled Document 128-20(1): GNWT Search and Rescue System Review Final Report
Tabled Document 130-20(1): NWT Surface Rights Board Operating Budget
Tabled Document 131-20(1): Prosper NWT 2024-2025 Corporate Plan
Tabled Document 132-20(1): Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act and Smoking Control and Reduction Act Three-Year Report 2020-2023
Tabled Document 133-20(1): Follow-Up Letter for Oral Question 186-20(1): Addressing Erosion in Aklavik
Tabled Document 134-20(1): Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 1-20(1), Report on the 2024-2025 Main Estimates
Tabled Document 135-20(1): Greenland Council Economic Report 1. Half Year 2024
Statements

Minister’s Statement 58-20(1): School Support Assistant Pilot Program

[Translation] [Translation Ends]. Mahsi.

Today, I am proud to share our progress in addressing these recommendations. To make the support assistant role more effective and supported, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment updated both job descriptions and the Inclusive Schooling Handbook. The Government of the Northwest Territories also forged a partnership with Douglas College to pilot an Education Assistance and Inclusion Certificate.

This virtually-delivered program was tailored to the needs of NWT support assistants in several ways. Participants followed a cohort-based model that fostered a collaborative learning environment to share learning and experiences. Program material was customized for our NWT context, ensuring relevant and practical learning. While participants undertook course work, they continued their important work in schools where they could apply what they learned in real-time. The courses and practicums equipped NWT support assistants with specialized skills to promote student well-being, development, and educational success. They also grew as leaders in inclusive education.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that the Government of the Northwest Territories covered the costs of tuition, fees, and materials, helping to remove financial barriers for our support assistants to access this program.

Since launching in January 2022, the program has had admirable results. This month, we celebrate 24 graduates. This achievement is a personal milestone for each participant, and it promises enhanced support to our students.

I want to share the inspiring words of Tena Blake, a support assistant at Chief Julius School in Fort McPherson. She described the program as "life changing" and saying it has "given me the confidence to look at furthering my education and taking more post-secondary courses that will benefit the work that I do with students."

Mr. Speaker, stories like Tena's fuel our commitment to build on this success. I want to express my pride in each participant of the School Support Assistant Pilot Program. Their hard work and commitment to professional growth are commendable. I offer my sincere congratulations and best wishes for the future. To the NWT's valued support assistants, we are grateful for the work you do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.