Question.

Question has been called. Those in favour of the motion? Those opposed to the motion? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

Motion That Capital And Main Estimates Of Power Corporation And Workers' Compensation Board Be Provided To Finance Committee At The Same Time As Other Departments, Carried

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to move that the committee recommends that the capital and main estimates of the NWT Power Corporation and the Workers' Compensation Board be provided to the standing committee on finance at the same time as the government departments.

The motion is in order and is being distributed. To the motion.

Question.

Question has been called. Those in favour of the motion? Those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Ms. Mike.

Motion That Government Use Capital Budget To Ensure Maximum Benefit For Northerners, Carried

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the committee recommends that the government use the capital budget as a fundamental economic instrument to ensure maximum benefit for Northerners.

The motion is being distributed. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question.

The question is being called. Those in favour of the motion? Opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Ms. Mike.

Motion That Cabinet Implement Policy Directive Re Northern Hiring Under Business Incentive Policy, Carried

Mr. Chairman, I move that the committee recommends that the cabinet implement the policy directive given by the Legislative Assembly which would permit only companies resident in the Northwest Territories who meet the

government's business incentive policy to tender on all Government of the Northwest Territories contracts; and further, that "buy north, hire north" policy be implemented immediately; and furthermore, that the policy include all government contracts for goods and services as well as construction contracts; and furthermore, that the cabinet strive to keep the policy simple and practical.

Thank you, Ms. Mike. The motion is being distributed and is in order. To the motion.

Question.

The question is being called. Those in favour of the motion? Opposed? Thank you. The motion is carried.

---Carried

Ms. Mike.

Motion To Undertake Review Of Lease/Purchase Agreements For Capital Facilities, Carried

Mr. Chairman, I move that the committee recommends that government undertake a review to determine whether lease/purchase agreements for capital facilities would be suitable to involve aboriginal people in the economic development of their region; and further, review if funding is accessible through the Canadian Aboriginal Economic Development strategy.

The motion is in order and is being distributed to Members. To the motion.

Question.

The question is being called. Those in favour of the motion? Opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

Thank you. Mr. Todd.

Yes, Mr. Chairman, that is all the general motions to the budget as a whole at this time. We may wish to proceed with the Department of Education. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Are there any more general comments? We have been requested to move to the Department of Education. Does the committee agree?

Agreed.

---Agreed

Department Of Education

Thank you. Minister of Finance and your witnesses. Mr. Allooloo.

Minister's Opening Remarks

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to make some opening remarks on the 1992-93 capital estimates of the Department of Education. The education system in the Northwest Territories faces many challenges. There is, and will continue to be, increasing demands for facilities to educate our young people and educate and train those who are of working age.

With the youngest and fastest growing population in Canada, there is a continuing need to increase school facilities. Over one third of the NWT population is less than 15 years old. High school enrolments are now increasing and have risen 42 per cent over the past five years. This year alone, high school enrolments rose 26 per cent. Five years ago, just over 25 per cent of 15 to 19 year olds were enrolled in high school, compared to over 40 per cent this year.

Similarly, the demand for continuing education and training for adults, and particularly aboriginal adults, is increasing. Post-secondary enrolments of the aboriginal students have grown by about 250 per cent over the past five years. These enrolments are anticipated to continue to increase by about 10 per cent every year. Increasing enrolments due to population growth and increasing participation rates are, in turn, increasing the many demands on the capital budget. Better use must be made of the facilities and resources for the delivery of education and training programs.

Standard designs are one way of being more effective. A standard design for schools was introduced in 1987-88. A standard design for a classroom adult education facility has been developed as well as a standard design 10-bed student hostel. Those standards will be reflected this year in the adult education centre to be built in Pangnirtung and the student hostel to be built in Fort Simpson.

Having a complete inventory and utilization statistics for all educational facilities is another way to ensure that facilities are being used effectively. This year the Department of Education is finalizing that inventory, including floor plans, site plans and photographs, in conjunction with the Department of Public Works.

In 1992-93 the schools activity includes projects to plan and design a new elementary school in Cambridge Bay, a replacement two-classroom school for Jean Marie River, a two-classroom addition to the school in Sanikiluaq, and renovations to the old school in Pangnirtung. Construction will begin on a new elementary school in Range Lake North for Yellowknife School District No. 1, a 10-bed hostel in Fort Simpson, a replacement six-classroom school in Lake Harbour, and a three-classroom addition to the Fort Liard school.

Grade Extensions In Communities

The capital estimates showed planning for an extension to Sir John Franklin Territorial High School. Based on review with the standing committee of finance, I will be introducing motions to delete this item and replace it with expenditures providing for grade extensions in Coppermine, Cambridge Bay, Fort Franklin, Fort Good Hope, Fort Simpson, and Rae-Edzo. As well, I will introduce motions to include planning money for Yellowknife to allow the three boards and the department to develop a short and long-range plan to meet facility needs in the city. Further, we will propose that funding be added for additional portable classroom space for Sir John, until we can provide increased permanent high school facilities.

Renovations to the entrance of Akaitcho Hall student residence in Yellowknife are also planned. In 1992-93 the department will complete construction on a new school for Rae Lakes, a 40-bed student hostel in Iqaluit and a new five-classroom school in Whale Cove. Renovations will be completed to schools in Cape Dorset, Spence Bay and Arviat.

The 1992-93 capital plan for Arctic College emphasizes community-based adult education centres rather than central campus facilities. For Arctic College, the department is budgeting planning and design money for duplex adult education centres in Aklavik, Arctic Bay, and Igloolik. Also, construction is slated to begin on a four-classroom adult education centre in Pangnirtung and on renovations to the adult education centres in Spence Bay and Arviat.

Mr. Chairman, based upon the standing committee on finance review and its recommendations, I will be introducing a motion to decrease the Arctic College's capital activity by $285,000 for the applied arts and library building in Fort Smith. This decrease will offset, in part, the increases in schools expenditures which I noted earlier.

Over the past few weeks I have heard, loud and clear, the Members' concerns about quality of education. You may be assured that you will see a clearly articulated plan to address these concerns brought forward when we consider our operational budget in a few months' time. I will also have an opportunity, although a short one, to consult with our partners in education, including the divisional boards, the community education councils, the teachers, the parents, and the Members of the Legislature. I do understand the issue, and I am determined to address it.

I am confident that this budget meets the most critical demands for the planning, construction and renovation of education capital facilities in 1992-93.

(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With your permission, I would like to ask my witnesses to come forward.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. (Translation) He wants his witnesses to come forward. Do you mind, Members? Go ahead, Mr. Minister. Mr. Todd.

Comments From The Standing Committee On Finance