Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for the past two days, we have been discussing and debating the state of education in the NWT. All indications seem to point out that things have not been good in the NWT for the past ten years, although some Members have reported positively that we have come a long way. I think it is important to point out that we may have some serious problems in the area of education.
Mr. Speaker, some of the rationale has pointed out why things have not progressed as they should in the area of education. In the report we have received from Members, leaders, parents and politicians, some are more compelling than inspiring, vice versa. Mr. Speaker, some Members have indicated that some improvisions have to be made or conceded in order to deliver basic or special education. I think we have to think and realize what is happening in education. Some of the indications that came out from Members in the area of inadequacy of funds, erosions, Mr. Speaker, of pay and benefits to staff, overcrowding in the classrooms, language programs not meeting the need in schools, and there are no or hardly any prospects of graduates having to find a job in the end after their graduation.
We have to ask the questions. What is the problem here, Mr. Speaker and what are we willing to do as politicians? Perhaps each of us can give a little to the future of education, whatever volumes it holds, whatever it is perceived to be. Thank you.
--Applause