Sandy Lee

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Could I just ask the Minister to consider my statement here as somewhat of a notice of the situation that's going on with NACC? I know the Minister is also well aware of the situation, and I am sure the NACC representatives would be making some sort of formal proposal. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask the Minister to take a look at the proposal and give it good consideration. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It seems like there is a pretty solid wall there, and I'm not sure if I could break through that at this setting. But I think I have to make a note of the fact that while what the Minister is saying makes sense in terms of the way our budgeting process works. I don't think the people out there, especially people in Yellowknife who are seeing the resource development activities happening around us and the call on the part of the government are aware of it and that they're doing everything they can to support training of our young to get ready for it. I don't think...

Thank you. I think the family learning kits is one of the things that a local school teacher has given me as anecdotal evidence of something that is quite simple, but quite effective. It is something that she really thought that we should continue doing. I really think that there is power within this Assembly to see how we could save this, although I know that this is supposed to expire in a week.

Mr. Chairman, I have a supplementary question on the funding cuts for the NWT Literacy Council. Could the Minister tell us as to what the NWT Literacy Council would have received in combination...

That concludes my question on that matter. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Am I to understand that that's that and there's no point for these project people to come and ask for any kind of assistance from the government?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wasn’t expecting to come back to the line-up so soon, but I’m pleased to have the opportunity. I have some questions to the Minister on his opening statement. The first one is to do with the early childhood development. Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Social Programs made quite a lengthy comment about the positions that committee Members have on this issue. I think it’s not always the case that Members from small communities and larger communities agree on an issue so solidly, and this was definitely one where all Members in the committee were able to present...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. After I have complimented on his ability to speak French, I was hoping for a firmer commitment on the part of the Minister. May I ask for the Minister to write a letter to all of the Ministers or employees, or make some sort of a public statement reminding that department? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was trying to save time by offering the Minister to provide this information in writing or in another form, but now that he has read it, I think that really speaks to how absurd and how nonsensical the way we are reporting our budget is. Under this other expenses, it has everything from money to buy a pen and pencil and a chair, to providing subsidies to citizens for wood. Other expenses is just a big, huge basket and there has to be a better way for the Department of Finance and government in the way they keep the books so that it enables us on this side of the...

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can I get an indication as to what the time frame is that he has instructed his staff who is getting information for him? I think the Minister mentioned that there is partnership going on with the college board and such. I’d like to know from the Minister at what point we, as a committee, would expect to see him get back to us as to his findings. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have another motion. I move that this committee recommends that a quantitative evaluation on grade extensions be undertaken to ensure that not only are our students accessing senior secondary schooling in their home communities, but moreover that they are graduating with the quality of education that allows them to be successful and competitive if and when they pursue post-secondary studies. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.