Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to discuss how the government will safeguard higher learning in our small communities.
Mr. Speaker, in a public briefing about the closure of community learning centres, both the chairperson of the board and president of the Aurora College outlined the college's decision to move to online learning. The board says the reason is, quote, low enrolment and high costs. The president of the college suggested the closure of CLC will save $8.29 million.
Mr. Speaker, I find the proposal to transition to online learning deeply troubling. The college number for online enrolments are inflated by classroom restrictions dating back to the pandemic. Their plan comes down to one thing: The loss of in-person learning for adult education programs and upgrading.
Mr. Speaker, in small communities, technology is a huge barrier to education. Many students do not have internet access or their own computers. Students with special needs such as FASD and others need hands-on visual learning opportunities. Were these factors considered in Aurora College's decision-making? This problem cannot be solved by a support line. Connectivity at the Whati CLC is currently adequate for running remote programming since the school has recently been hooked up to the fibre optic line. But this will not be the case if we force learners to upgrade online at home.
Mr. Speaker, we need a brick and mortar approach. Closing all 19 centres to save a small amount of money is wrong. Students will need to use the existing infrastructure to join classes online. I will have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Yellowknife Centre.
