Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Roles Of The Players

The standing committee was informed by the Minister, in September, that the department will be playing a more active role in relation to the two colleges than has been the case in the past. However, a framework for instituting this role has yet to be developed.

The standing committee heard concern during its community visits that community education councils were feeling that they presently have very little opportunity for input into Arctic College program design and delivery. With the adult educators reporting directly to Arctic College, and third party funding driving many of the program development decisions, some community education councils believe that they are at risk of being left out of the college's consultative process.

The standing committee recognizes that historically, adult educators were accountable at the community level. The current structure, whereby they report to the regional Arctic College campus, does provide professional support to the educators, but some communities feel that opportunities for local input have been diminished. The committee also recognizes that members of the Arctic College board provide a means of including regional views, and heard from Arctic College representatives that real efforts are made to involve community education councils in decision-making. However, these mechanisms do not appear to be working in all communities. The standing committee holds the view that a formal process should be instituted, through which the community education councils would provide direction to Arctic College regarding priorities at the community level.

Recommendation 4

Mr. Chairman, this committee recommends that the Arctic College develop a formal process for obtaining the input of community education councils on local programming and planning.

The Science Institute

In early March, 1993, the Minister announced at a public meeting of the Arctic College board of governors that he was considering the integration of the Science Institute and Arctic College. During subsequent questioning in the House, the Minister indicated his desire to give credibility to Arctic College in the area of scientific and technological research. He advised that a committee had been formed with representatives from Arctic College, the Science Institute and his department, to plan how to proceed. Later in March, the Minister advised the House during questioning that the Science Institute had withdrawn from the committee.

During the March, 1993 meeting with the standing committee, the Minister advised that planning was still in the very early stages. He recommended continuing with both an Arctic College and Science Institute board linked to each college, but with a number of common members. The Arctic College president would be the chief executive officer for each body.

The standing committee explored this issue again in September, 1993. The standing committee was disconcerted to find that little progress had been made during the past months, in terms of a concrete plan. In fact, the fundamental purpose and direction of an amalgamated Science Institute, from the perspective of the Minister and the department, was not clear. Primary questions, such as whether there would be two institutes or one, following the decentralization of the college, whether the institute would fulfil a function similar to a faculty, or that of an advisory/research council, and lines of accountability following amalgamation had not been worked through.

Mr. Chairman, I will ask my colleague from Aivilik to continue.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Future Challenges

It became apparent during the meetings between this committee and the Minister and president of Arctic College in September, 1993, that there is not a long-term vision or plan of Arctic College in the future. The standing committee feels that the college should be focusing on the future; the impact on resource requirements for the two colleges; the identification of new needs, in terms of regional aspirations; and, the educational priorities with the division of the territories.

The standing committee believes that the major focus for future programming should remain in adult education. The development of successful programs such as the teacher education program, must be a top priority. The college must set some goals and strive for them. The standing committee suggests that the Minister and the board look to the past for direction in the future. The challenge will be to recognize the shortcomings in the past and determine how the north can best be served in the future.

Recommendation 5

Finally, the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions requests that, in accordance with rule 93(5), the executive council table a comprehensive response to all the recommendations contained in this report to the Assembly, within 120 calendar days of the presentation of this report to the House. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mahsi, Mr. Chairman. As soon as we get a quorum, we can proceed with the motions.

Question.

I move that this committee recommends that the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment table, in the Legislative Assembly, a draft strategic plan for each of the proposed colleges prior to the introduction of the legislation to establish the new college systems.

Question.

I move that this committee recommends that a formal process for the delegation of responsibilities from the Minister to the new boards be prepared and tabled in the Legislative Assembly for discussion.

Question.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that this committee recommends that the Arctic College develop a formal process for obtaining the input of community education councils on local programming and planning.

Question.