Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Early Childhood Intervention

The committee agrees with the Minister that early childhood intervention is critical. However, we see a need to focus on results rather than just on spending dollars. Over the next year, the department will be distributing $4.5 million for early childhood intervention. From the explanations given, it will be distributed in a manner similar to the Community Action Fund. In the business plan, there is a shopping list of the kinds of items which might be considered under this program. We are very concerned about the use of this one time funding. It appears to be unfocused with no parameters. We are concerned about how much will actually get to families and how the results of this spending will be measured by the department. We have sought assurance from the Minister that it is not just a give-away program but is part of a clear plan to address early intervention needs. We continue to have concerns about the allocation model and guidelines for the early childhood intervention funding. We are pleased to hear the department is developing a framework and look forward to carefully reviewing this framework with the department.

Arts Council Trust

The committee noted the introduction of an Arts Council Trust. With limited dollars, these types of partnerships between the public and private sector are necessary and should be encouraged.

Capital Planning

When we discussed the capital, we asked about the status of the Rankin Inlet High School. The Minister indicated that, under the capital criteria, Rankin did not have the student population to justify this facility and it would probably have been four or five more years before a new high school was built. This compares to six months ago when the Minister assured us this facility was necessary and was not something the department felt could be deferred. Part of the reason for the lower numbers were grade extensions in small communities and the diminished use of Kivallik Hall. These are not new initiatives. The committee is concerned that a project of this magnitude was continued by the department when they should have been able to predict the lower student occupancy rate. We are very disappointed with the lack of planning and adequate analysis. The Minister has indicated the construction is underway and so the government is locked into the project.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.