Caroline Cochrane

I am hoping that the Status of Women Council actually will, and I do know that they are trying to do some issues, working with women in getting them into leadership as well.

When I was first elected in this position, my budget wasn't as generous as it is now, although I am not saying it is that generous, but the Status of Women Council put forward a proposal, and they asked for $15,000 just to do one workshop. I believe, at that point, I may be wrong, I think my budget was only $20,000 to do two, which meant I was in a deficit. We had to look at it and see if there was a more cost-effective way...

As a Minister, my responsibility is to represent all communities and all residents of the Northwest Territories. I would be more than honoured to actually go with the Member to the community to actually work with the community and see what we can do to support them. As the Member stated, my schedule is very busy over the summer with all of the graduations that are taking place, but as soon as we can find a mutually agreeable time, I am more than willing to go in. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, that Bill 16, An Act to Amend the Social Assistance Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am conscious that, when the Aurora College was reviewed, a lot of people had been saying for many years that Aurora College tries to do too much. I think we have to step back and kind of look at what we are doing now. I am interested in seeing a proposal. However, Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that, over the last five years, only 23 students have applied for student financial assistance for aviation. That averages just under five a year, which might be a pretty costly course. Mr. Speaker, I would hate to see things go bad. I would like to see the proposal before I make any decisions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have no problem sharing things, but at this point, we have nothing to share. There was an initial meeting with Aurora College. No commitments were made. At that meeting, Aurora College had asked for a proposal, a business plan, and intensive study, for example, where they are getting funding, et cetera. To date, we have not received any of that information. I can share what I have, which is nothing at this point. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, that Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Student Financial Assistance Act, be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled "NWT Small Communities Employment Strategy." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

At this point, like I had said, we have asked them for a proposal, Aurora College did. Nothing has been received. I would have to check in and make sure. I am not sure if things of that nature are actually shared. I could probably share it with standing committee. I am not sure if I would table that document, because it is a private enterprise looking to partner with us.

Mr. Speaker, a strong labour market is critical to the Northwest Territories' economic future. We know what jobs are in demand, and we are focused on preparing residents for those opportunities.

Through our Skills 4 Success actions, we are seeing progress in developing an educated, productive, and thriving labour force that will meet the needs of the territory's economy and meet our mandate commitment to improve labour market outcomes.

Mr. Speaker, a total of 25 former programs have been consolidated and streamlined into 10; program names have been simplified to be more intuitive and easily...

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled "NWT Indigenous Languages Action Plan: A Shared Responsibility 2018-2022." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.