Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment Programs was created on August 4, 1992. The 1992 report, Reshaping Northern Government, outlined plans for the consolidation of culture, schools, advanced education and related programs, in order to provide new opportunities for better delivery of programs and services.
To make the most of these opportunities, and to better integrate operations, the new department has started work on a strategic plan which will shape the direction of the department for the next ten to 15 years.
The plan will improve coherence among all activities of the department, and ensure there are better links between resources and priorities, specifically between programs and employment opportunities. The goals of the plan include improving the quality of programs and services, improving access for the public, enhancing the return on our investment and improving the department's accountability.
Consultation is an integral part of the planning process. Everyone who is involved in the planning and delivery of departmental programs and services, and everyone who is served by them, has a role to play in the strategic planning process. Consultation will include: the boards and agencies who deliver programs and services; advisory boards; students; parents; key interest groups, including aboriginal organizations and community governments; Members of the Legislative Assembly, and their staff; and, the general public. Preliminary public consultation will begin in the next few weeks. I expect to be able to review a draft plan with the Assembly in the fall of this year, with the final report prepared for March, 1994.
Mr. Speaker, the future holds many challenges, but it also holds many opportunities. Through the strategic plan, I am determined that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment Programs will reshape and develop programs for delivery in communities to enable the people of the Northwest Territories to meet those challenges.
Further, Mr. Speaker, I am committed to directly consulting and involving the Members, boards and your constituents in the development of a vision and plan for education and training, which respects the cultures and languages of the people of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause