Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today as chairperson of the Nunavut Caucus to address an issue of some concern to Caucus Members and Nunavut leaders. Mr. Speaker, at the Nunavut leaders' summit in Gjoa Haven from January 19 to 21, 1995, several resolutions were passed which dealt with education and training preparations for Nunavut. To date, aside from one letter to a Nunavut Member of this House, to my knowledge, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has not responded to any parties of the Gjoa Haven summit on the specific recommendations.
The Nunavut Caucus and other Nunavut leaders would be interested in learning about the progress to date on the consideration and possible implementation of these resolutions. Mr. Speaker, there were a number of recommendations directed to the department, including the suggestion of the immediate appointment of an assistant deputy minister of Education, Culture and Employment for Nunavut and the establishment of a Nunavut education leaders' working group to be chaired by the assistant deputy minister for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, as 1999 draws near, planning for Nunavut must address training and education needs as a priority. Therefore, it is imperative that the Minister formally respond to the resolutions with respect to education so that planning can continue in a coordinated and cooperative manner. An initial response from the Minister will be expected when Members of the Nunavut Caucus address this issue during question period before the conclusion of our session. Thank you.
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