Mr. Speaker, Return to Written Question 33-12(7), asked by Ms. Mike to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment concerning Nunavut leaders' summit on education and training resolutions.

I am pleased to respond to the written questions asked by Ms. Mike on June 15, 1995.

Further to the Nunavut leaders' summit in Gjoa Haven on January 19 to 21, 1995, could the Minister responsible for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment please advise this House of any progress to date regarding:

1. A resolution requesting that the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment review the adequacy of the present student financial assistance program for Inuit students:

The student financial assistance program is currently under review to examine all aspects of the program and will be completed by the fall of 1995.

2. A resolution recommending that the Minister collaborate with the Nunavut Implementation Training Commission and Arctic College to review the feasibility of relocating the Sivuniksavut program to Nunavut and delivering it through Arctic College:

Preliminary discussions on this matter have been held by officials of the commission and the Nunavut Implementation Training Committee, Nunavut Arctic College and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. While all parties see value in the operation of a "transition program" which prepared high school leavers for post-secondary education, training or employment, there does not appear to be consensus regarding moving the program from Ottawa to Nunavut. We intend to continue to pursue the transfer of the program to Nunavut and to encourage delivery of the program through Nunavut Arctic College.

3. A resolution recommending that the Minister implement new strategies and programs to achieve greater success in graduating grade 12 students in Nunavut:

Over the past few years, we have increased access to high school courses by extending grades into additional Nunavut communities. During 1994-95, grade 12 was offered in 10 communities in Nunavut and it will be offered in 13 Nunavut communities beginning this fall. The 1993-94 graduation rates show that 66 out of 128 students enrolled in high school programs across Nunavut graduated from grade 12. The department expects a continued increase in the graduation rates of students from Nunavut as more communities in Nunavut offer high school programs.

4. A resolution recommending that the Minister implement a strategy to ensure adult training programs meet the needs of Nunavut:

Nunavut Arctic College has now been established and is addressing training needs for the establishment of Nunavut. Community consultation has helped shape the college's plans to provide programs and services to meet these training needs. As well, planning and coordination to address these needs is continuing between organizations involved in adult training in Nunavut including: Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Nunavut Implementation Training Commission, and the Nunavut Implementation Commission. The GNWT is also currently involved in extensive analysis to assess the need for training and development of a public service in Nunavut.

5. Would the Minister indicate whether a detailed response to Nunavut leaders on each of the recommendations and their components can be expected in the near future?

The recommendations are being addressed. Some items such as the review of student financial assistance have received immediate attention. Others, which have long-term implications, require additional consideration prior to the development of a final action plan.