Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to comment on the decision announced by the South Slave Divisional Board of Education regarding the house parents at the Lutsel K'e boarding home
in Fort Smith. The honourable Members will know that I have raised this matter previously.
On November 19 and 20, I questioned the former Minister of Education about the fact that the committee had been established to investigate allegations surrounding the performance of the house parents. I was concerned at the time, that the so-called inquiry committee comprised several of the same board members who had earlier voted to suspend the house parents.
I questioned the Minister as to how they could possibly conduct an independent review. I remained concerned about that, Mr. Speaker, particularly now that their recommendations have apparently been used by the divisional board as the basis for terminating the house parents. I am even more concerned about the procedures that have been used in implementing this decision. The constituent to whom I had been talking was not personally informed of the divisional board's decision by telephone or personal contact. In fact, she was sent a letter around the same time that the press was advised of her termination. News/North received notification of her dismal before she did.
Mr. Speaker, this is not appropriate. I believe that this is a shameful way to treat people and it should not be tolerated by the government. Mr. Speaker, the House and divisional board should be clear about one thing. Subsection 23 of the Education Act provides that it is the Ministers responsibility to operate student residences and boarding programs for students. This may be delegated to the divisional board, but the statutory obligation of the Minister is clear under the act. Where is delegated authority being abused? Where it is not being exercised according to proper standards of administrative conduct, the Minister should step in and take direct action. I trust that the Government Leader, in her capacity as acting Minister, will examine this matter and take action accordingly. Thank you.
---Applause