Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has begun a major review of its strategic plan which is now five years old. The key goals for that plan were developed after consulting with people across the north. Those goals are the foundation of our plan. As well, the plan helped us to improve coordination between our programs and services. The result of having a strategic plan are better links between early childhood programs, schools, colleges and work. On the whole, the plan has been very useful, particularly in setting goals and measuring progress.
It is time now to review the plan, update it and make the necessary changes. We are close to the creation of two new territories. We know that each new territory must set its own goals and priorities. Technology is progressing rapidly and the skills and knowledge required in the workplace are demanding. Given these circumstances, it is important that we take a step back, look at the progress we have made and think about where our strategic plan should take us over the next five years. I should point out that we are not planning to completely rewrite the plan. Instead, we want the public, parents, students, educators, employers and other interested groups and organizations to tell us what has been successful, what we should focus on now and help us outline how to deal with the challenges ahead. As part of this review, I will very soon appoint people to a Minister's forum. This forum will collect information from the public and make recommendations on future direction from kindergarten to grade 12.
--Applause