Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, education is important to the success of all young people. For most people, education is the only route to success. With the high rate of unemployment, especially in remote communities, education is even more important. I would like to bring to the attention of the House, the shortage of qualified teaching staff in Pangnirtung. The community is especially short of classroom support assistants who address the needs of special students. The education council in Pangnirtung needs more funding to properly staff the growing number of students and to provide adequate programming. Fortunately, this fall, the Attagoyuk School that was destroyed by fire, will reopen. Currently students from Attagoyuk School are sharing facilities with the remaining school, and using other available facilities within the community. However, the student population has grown since the new school was first planned, and as a result, more facilities are needed.
The community also uses the school facilities for meetings, courses and sports. With the final phase of construction this summer, the government has a rare opportunity to add more needed space, staff and programs to the new school. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.