Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank the Members of this committee for initiating this discussion today. Education and training are essential elements of our social programs and services. Mr. Chairman, funding for education and training is an investment in the future of citizens in the Northwest Territories. As a government, we have recognized the value and importance of education and training and continue to provide a significant portion of our overall government's budget to this investment. If we think back over the past decade, we can see there has been considerable progress in expanding education and training to northern communities. Increased funding to support programs, the development and training of northern staff and new curricula and facilities have added to the range and quality of programs and services. While we have a long way to go, we should also celebrate the successes we have seen. Like doubling the percentage of students attending high school in the past five years. Like doubling the number of aboriginal students attending college in the past five years. There are many more successes that we could celebrate.
We also need to recognize that society and jobs are changing across the north. It is important that education and training activities reflect this change. We need to realize that it is very important to continue to review and improve the standards of our programs so that they match the skills and knowledge students will need in the future.
While changes are occurring, Mr. Chairman, we have also been active in ensuring that the public, parents and stakeholders are involved in setting the direction for education. Divisional education councils and the public colleges now ensure there is regular and effective involvement in setting direction for our educational institutions which reflects territorial standards but in the context of local and regional needs. Do we face challenges? Yes, we do. Is the system under pressure as a result of lower federal transfer payments? Yes, it is. Continuing discussion and debate of educational priorities is important. This House has raised the matter, and it is timely to pursue this discussion today. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment will be open and straightforward in its participation during these discussions. Our 1998-99 plan to review and update the existing departmental strategic plan is an example of our commitment.
Mr. Chairman, I am a strong and passionate advocate for education. I would dearly love to see more funding for education, but it is important that we frame our discussion today by recognizing that we are in very challenging times. There is simply not enough money to do everything that our constituents want us to do. If we were to raise our investment in education and training, then we must all understand that the monies need to come from some other program and/or service area. With overall reductions we have had to face in the past few years, choices will not be easy. In my view, we need to define our priorities, but we must also strive for a balanced approach.
Mr. Chairman, I hope the discussion in the next few hours in committee of the whole will be positive. I hope we can consider our successes and focus on how we can do better in the future. Thank you.