Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes, I believe that is the only approach that can allow for us to be successful. The point that the honourable Member makes of pointing no fingers, but rather to be proactive, rather than reactive, and to plan and provide for the leadership that is necessary for the changes to occur, I agree and concur with.

Madam Speaker

Thank you. Item 5, oral questions. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Again, to the Minister of Education. Three years ago, when the government started talking about what to do with Akaitcho Hall, there was a suggestion that the facility be privatized. This would seem to be a good opportunity. There might be aboriginal organizations or other northern companies that would be interested in taking over Akaitcho Hall to give the parents and students the opportunity to have their children go to school in Yellowknife. Did the Cabinet consider this option when it gave its approval in principle to close Akaitcho Hall?

Madam Speaker

Thank you. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Programs, Mr. Nerysoo.

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. That matter was not a factor in our decision to close. That is not to suggest that in our discussions and proposals that may come in...I had discussions with some of the women who have been involved in the possible setting up of boarding homes. That, in my view, is a part of the discussions that need to go on now. In other words, they have to come forward with their ideas. However, I do say to the honourable Members that the cost savings we have made with the closing of Akaitcho Hall can be utilized in educational programming, direct to students and directly improving program delivery of our system.

Madam Speaker

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

So, even though the government is promoting private sector development, is the Minister saying he has rejected this option?

Madam Speaker

Thank you. Minister of Education, Mr. Nerysoo.

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Madam Speaker. We haven't rejected any option. What we have said is that under the present system, we can not operate Akaitcho Hall at the costs we are now incurring, particularly in light of the reduction of the total number of students who will be attending high school programming in Yellowknife from our communities. That is the basis of the decision.

Madam Speaker

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Gargan.

Samuel Gargan Deh Cho

Since the government did reject it, would the Minister be prepared to consider, if an organization was able to operate it, Akaitcho Hall for a student residence?

Madam Speaker

Thank you. Minister of Education, Mr. Nerysoo.

Richard Nerysoo Mackenzie Delta

Madam Speaker, if they were able to run the building on the basis of the annual rates we pay for home boarding, I don't think anybody would reject it. But, I think that would be very, very difficult. None of the options have been rejected at this particular junction. Proposals have not come in. Discussions have happened but we have not had specific and detailed proposals that any of our departments or that our review committee has been able to consider.

Madam Speaker

Thank you. Final supplementary, Mr. Gargan.