Mr. Speaker, when students have food security, they can focus on learning, growing, and participating within their school communities; and most importantly, on being kids. To help students succeed, the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories are working towards signing a three-year funding agreement that will support the expansion of the NWT school food program: Healthy Food for Learning.
Once signed, this new agreement will provide a significant and important boost to the program, creating real results for students and families across the territory. Since 2015, the territorial government has continually invested $650,000 annually into this program. This agreement is part of Canada's broader national school food program plans, which will invest $1 billion over five years across the country, with the goal of providing meals to up to 400,000 children every year.
With the high cost of groceries, the new funding agreement will help provide relief to families experiencing pressures of food insecurity and socio-economic challenges. All 49 NWT schools, and all junior kindergarten to grade 12 students will have access to the Healthy Food for Learning Program as needed so families can feel confident that their children will receive substantial and nutritious meals and snacks at school.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude my statement today in French.
[Translation] … The schools have shared wise practices for what successfully a food program for them. This has included partnering with the local grocery stores, government departments and businesses, enabling students to play an active role; for example, in growing the food in school gardens. Elders and community members have also been involved in traditional food preparation.
Ensuring that all students have consistent access to healthy meals is vital as we work towards improving the students' outcomes and providing all Northerners with the best possible start in life. We want to make sure that all residents will have the best outcome. I am happy to conclude this agreement, and I will explain all of the details with the Canadian government in the next few weeks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Translation Ends]
Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Colleagues, before we go any further, I'd like to recognize some special people here today. Range Lake North School, grade 8 class, welcome to our Legislative Assembly. We really appreciate you being here. As well as their teacher and chaperones. There's just one teacher or -- four teachers. I thought it was four so, yes, the four teachers. So thank you very much for bringing your students here today. As well as our students from Aurora College, thank you very much for being here today. Thank you very much.
Ministers' statements. Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
