Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Written Question 5-12(7) asked by Mr. Patterson to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment concerning Arctic College base funding.
In order to adequately respond to the written questions on Arctic College base funding tabled by the honourable Mr. Patterson, I would like to first provide some background information on the newly-created funding formula which is working to equitably distribute funding between the two colleges.
The division of Arctic College into two colleges on January 1, 1995, made it necessary to create a funding formula known as the college funding allocation system (CFAS). Through this system, GNWT program and services contribution funding is equitably distributed between the two colleges according to agreed-upon programs and services. As well, the allocations are adjusted for geographic cost differences. In addition, the system allows the colleges the flexibility to establish specific program budgets on an assessment of need.
When Arctic College was split into two colleges, there was no intention or justification to duplicate every program at both colleges. Within the college system, it is expected that the programs offered by the two colleges will complement one another so that the colleges can work together to build an effective post-secondary education system for the residents of the Northwest Territories. As a result, the following responses to the written questions asked by Mr. Patterson are based on these financial and management factors.
Arctic College Base Funding - Questions And Answers
-How many person years and what level of base funding is now in place in College East and College West for trades training?
Trades training is base funded by the GNWT funding only at College West. For 1995-96, the college is being allocated an estimated $860,000 including funding for nine positions for this purpose. Both colleges also deliver a wide range of trades training as a result of funding from other sources such as Human Resource Development Canada (HRDC).
-How many person years and what level of base funding is now in place in College East and College West for environmental technology training? Environmental programs are base funded programs at both colleges. The environmental technology program, which is designed specifically for the eastern Arctic, is offered at the Nunatta Campus of College East. A renewable resources training program is offered by College West at Thebacha campus in Fort Smith. For 1995-96, an estimated $340,000 is allocated to each college to support the program. This includes funding for three positions. As well, College East receives an additional sum as a result of cost differential.
-How many person years and what level of base funding is now in place in College East and College West for student support services?
Both colleges offer student support services at the campus locations. Student services include residence services, recreation, admissions, counselling and libraries. For the 1995-96 year, College East will receive approximately $1.507 million and funding for twelve positions. College West will receive approximately $2.285 million and funding for eighteen positions.
-How many person years and what level of base funding is now in place in College East and College West for heavy equipment operator training and driver education training?
Heavy equipment operator training is funded as a trades program only at College West. There are currently three funding positions assigned to this program. The allocation for the program for 1995-96 is approximately $280,000. This includes three positions. Both colleges fund driver training activities through fees and contract revenues rather than base funding.
Actual budgets for programs are established by each college board of governors. These budgets may differ somewhat from the allocation, as the colleges also utilize funds from other revenues to support their activities.