Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions to present our report on the review of Arctic College. Over the past two years, the committee held public hearings, informal consultations with board members and college officials, students, faculty and formal meetings with the Minister and his officials.
The standing committee wishes to acknowledge the participation and input of the Arctic College board of governors and Arctic College and department officials, staff and student representatives throughout the review. As well, the committee appreciates the comments of members of the public who appeared as witnesses or provided written submissions during the public hearings.
Introduction
Throughout the review process, the committee focused on the following aspects:
-the mandate, composition, organizational structure and function of the board of governors of Arctic College and its various committees;
-the working relationships between the board of governors and the Department of Education;
-the operation of Arctic College, particularly related to administrative planning, the establishment of priorities and the development of a framework for the delivery of educational services and programs;
-strategic planning and funding allocation system developments;
-pertinent legislation, regulations and policy;
-statutory relationship between the Minister and the college;
-the role of the Science Institute;
-adult education programming at the community level; and,
-future direction of Arctic College and post-secondary education in Nunavut and the new western territory.
Time was also spent during the latter part of the review on three announcements made by the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. First, was the government's decision to decentralize Arctic College into two separate college systems with head offices in Iqaluit and in Fort Smith. Second, was the development of a new strategic plan which would shape the direction of the department over the next ten to 15 years. Third, the integration of the Northwest Territories Science Institute with Arctic College.
Mr. Speaker, within our report, we identify issues in the areas we focused on as a committee. Over the two years that we reviewed Arctic College, the Minister and his officials responded favourably to the comments of the committee and to the interim report. In this report, we show where the college has attempted to address our concerns and highlight areas where further change is required.
Areas which particularly require attention are:
-legislation to implement the establishment of two colleges for the Northwest Territories;
-a draft strategic plan for each of the two colleges prior to the introduction of the legislation to establish the new college system;
-a formal process for the delegation of responsibilities from the Minister to the new boards; and,
-a formal process for obtaining the input of community education councils on local programming and planning.
Motion To Receive Committee Report 9-12(4) And Move To Committee Of The Whole, Carried
Mr. Speaker, now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions Final Report on Arctic College be received and moved into committee of the whole for consideration. Mahsi.