I am pleased to respond to the written questions asked by Mr. Patterson on June 13, 1995.

1. Who authorized this decision? Nunavut Arctic College received $150,000 last year and this year through the official languages agreement to provide interpreter/translator training. Funds for a number of other programs provided through the agreement, however, were reduced significantly this year.

When Nunavut Arctic College was notified about the official languages agreement funding for 1995-96, Education, Culture and Employment advised the college that the delivery of the interpreter/translator training program, and specifically the medical and legal modules of this program, must be given funding priority.

Nunavut Arctic College could also use official languages agreement funding for literacy training, once this priority has been met.

2. Why wasn't the college board or the college vice-president or the affected MLAs consulted about this significant change?

There has not been a change from 1994-95 in funding support from Education, Culture and Employment for this program. Inuktitut literacy is not one of the established programs and services approved by the department for ongoing support. Historically, the college has used a number of funding sources to support Inuktitut literacy activities. Several of these sources, including the use of existing instructional staff at the college, remain available to the college. As well, once program delivery plans for the interpreter/translator training program have been confirmed for 1995-96, some funding may be available through the official languages agreement for Inuktitut literacy.

3. Does the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment believe that the interpreter/translator training program is more important than the Inuktitut literacy program?

Both of these programs are important. As resources become more restrained, it is also important to identify priorities for training. As noted above, Education, Culture and Employment directed the college to give priority to the delivery of the interpreter/translator training program, particularly of the medical and legal modules of this program.

The board of governors and the college have achieved excellent results in program delivery in the past. They will need to continue to work with other partners in education and to use innovative approaches to deliver programs to meet the needs of college students across Nunavut, as well as students at Nunatta Campus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.