Wendy Bisaro

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I have questions here with regards to the increase in positions in the regional offices. I see that it increases from nine to 12 positions. Could I hear what those three positions are, please, and what communities they’re in? Thank you.

We’ve been advised that there will be a reduction probably in the cost of the implementation of junior kindergarten in the ’15-16 school year. So I can anticipate, then, that the Collective Agreement increases are larger than the comparison of one school year to the next. It would also include, because there’s a reduction in JK. So it’s gone down because of JK, but it’s gone up because of? Maybe I’ll ask what the Collective Agreement increase is in dollars. That would be easier. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very pleased to recognize the NWT Wise Woman Award of the North Slave region, Ms. Pertice Moffit. Along with Pertice is Linda Golding and next to Linda is Barb Hood, as we’ve heard, the director of the NWT Seniors’ Society. To all the other ladies up there, welcome on the two days prior to the International Women’s Day. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I’m just curious that there is an increase in this budget, about $400,000 or so, $500,000 maybe. Could I get an explanation as to what this increase is attributed to? Thank you

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I see an increase of five positions here. Can I be advised what they are? Thank you.

When?

Thanks, Mr. Heide. I am very glad to hear that there is something being considered. It doesn’t have to be under Student Financial Assistance. So, if there is an opportunity for a student who needs upgrading before they can go on to a post-secondary institution and there is financial supports available to them through the Skills for Success or whatever other program, that’s a great thing.

When might people expect that that support, that program would be up and running? Thank you.

Thanks, Mr. Chair, and thanks to the Minister. It gives me some comfort that at least the department is going to look at it. I have to again say that eight years is a long time and things, particularly these days, change very rapidly. I would encourage the Minister to not wait for the 18th but to start planning now, put the money aside now for a comprehensive review of income security programs. Thank you. That’s a comment not a question.

Thanks to Mr. Heide. I agree, there have been some good changes, and an increase in allowances and evaluation of the old one and increasing it to make it a reasonably useful amount in the allowance has been a good thing. The other good change that I’ve noted is that some income assistance clients are being evaluated less often, and that’s a very positive step as well. I appreciate that I’ve got a handle on the changes that have been made, but in terms of the programs in general, and in terms of the contradictory nature of some of the policies and programs that exist in income support relative...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Quick question here. Members and committee have asked the Minister a number of times if we could have a bigger involvement in Aurora College and in knowing about what they’re doing with their budget. I believe we were advised, I believe the college budget came out in the fall, November or December perhaps. I would like to ask the Minister if a copy of that budget could be provided to Members. Thank you.