Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, every Member of this Assembly is well aware of the challenges the government faces in providing high-quality programs and services in the face of declining revenues. Through good planning and the cooperation of our various stakeholders, we can continue to improve services to the people of the NWT. I want to bring this Assembly up to date on a number of initiatives made by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment that are helping to move programs in this direction.
The NWT needs to develop a home-grown workforce. To reach this goal, we need more grade 12 graduates. In the early 1980's, grades 10 to 12 were offered in only six communities. Mr. Speaker, with the implementation of grade 12 in Fort Good Hope this fall, all NWT students have an opportunity to complete their senior secondary education within their region.
This improved access has had a positive effect on participation rates. There are now 761 students in grade 12 -- twice as many as there were five years ago. When people are better educated, they have a better chance of finding a well-paying job.
The government's building and learning strategy has resulted in trades training being delivered on-site at community construction projects. These opportunities will ensure northerners have access to the jobs that accompany any large-scale development such as new mines.
Mr. Speaker, there has been a tremendous surge in the level of student financial assistance. Problems which were experienced in the fall of 1995 have been addressed and revisions made to ensure that similar difficulties do not occur in January. It is expected the payment schedule will return to an average of 10 working days from receipt of the student enrolment form as was usual prior to September of 1995.
Over the past 18 months, a further initiative has been income support reform. Recognizing federal actions, we are developing a northern approach. Social assistance recipients are now given opportunities to participate in wellness activities or take part in education, training and employment. Mr. Speaker, given the current fiscal climate, the participation of all stakeholders is essential to improving services. There is no doubt that we must identify new approaches to support program and service delivery.
In one current example, the chiefs of the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council plan to set up a regional services board to look after the administration of all education, health and social services in the Dogrib communities. Education, Culture and Employment, and Health and Social Services staff are part of the working group established to set up this board by next April. This should result in less duplication and overlap and produce greater community control.
Community consultation and participation are also essential in redefining language programs. As a result of federal cutbacks, the department is carrying out widespread consultations to develop plans to reshape how programs and services are delivered. It is also proposing to simplify existing programs and emphasize its support for the language communities and their activities. The plan is to transfer resources to the regions and language communities and reduce direct services delivered by the programs.
Mr. Speaker, the current fiscal climate means that the government is going to have to take a strategic approach to spending in order to improve services to northerners.
Through continued consultation with communities and organizations, and by working together, I believe we can continue to make progress towards our goals and still improve services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause