Return to Written Question 28-13(4) asked by Mrs. Groenewegen to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment on electronic access to information.
Electronic Access to Information
The ability to access information electronically from all communities for the benefits of Northern residents was clearly identified as a priority by participants in the "Connecting the North" symposium. The symposium connected all NWT communities for three days of live presentations and consultation on communication and information needs and was broadcast interactively on TVNC in the fall of 1994.
Business cases prepared for the Departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Health and social Services clearly demonstrated that high-speed electronic communications networks have the potential to save money and improve current services offered. Based on these projected savings and the potential for improving some vital services at the same time, the Government of the Northwest Territories established access to high-speed communications networks from all communities as a priority.
The value of recreational reading as a literacy tool was given equal weight to all other aspects of the department's programs and services. It was considered that high-speed digital communications networks would provide enhanced access to recreational reading materials (in addition to many other beneficial services) for those communities lacking public library facilities. Further, as it was apparent that current funding levels for all areas of government, including libraries, would be declining, it was considered that some of the inevitable losses could be mitigated through use of high-speed communications.