Caroline Cochrane

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I did promise to do a survey regarding voices of women. At this point, we have not got that developed yet. I think it is okay to say that my last women's advisor actually decided to move back to her home community about that time, so I just hired a new woman, Elizabeth. I can't think of her last name at this point. So we will be reinstating that work.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We were hoping that all the renovations, et cetera, would be done for the last fiscal year, but we had to carry over some. For the Fort Liard one, the money was carried over to finish the JK sink in the washroom, which I hear is done, I'm not sure, and to construct a fence for the outdoor play area and the equipment. All of the schools will need specialized play equipment for that age group. We are in the process for doing that for most of the schools. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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...

Before I took the new position actually, the previous Minister was working diligently at that. There were increases to the daycare providers, licensed daycare homes that were provided, a large increase for infants, a smaller increase for the older ages up to three, and then a small but still an increase for the after-school children. The junior kindergarten also is huge for parents. I had my own concerns about it when it was going through, and I'm happy to say that those concerns have been alleviated. Parents are saying it is working. They are saving money. Affordability is being addressed. We...