Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My comments today are on the Minister's Forum on Education and the report. Mr. Speaker, I have to say that I was very surprised that so much emphasis was placed on doing the consulting work and preparing a report and creating a forum by the former Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, but that the budget yesterday did not include and did not address the recommendations adequately with funding. It is bothersome to me that such extensive consultation has taken place, and now many of the recommendations cannot be implemented because of the lack of dollars. Of course, the current Minister, Mr. Miltenberger, I feel for him, because in many ways, he has been saddled with the problem. Now I do have to emphasize, though, Mr. Speaker, that the Minister states that 32 are non-monetary and I think we can certainly debate that because I see it a little different way.
Let me just quote from the report and what the report really says - the present strategic plan is excellent, but attaining the goal of the strategic plan is impossible with current resources. It emphasizes the need for additional human and material resources and that message was loud and clear in each of the 11 communities visited. The single most common issue raised was the current educational funding level and how it affects the education system. The lack of funding, of course, has resulted in an increase in classroom sizes, decreased support services for inclusive schooling, and limitations have been placed on optional courses once operated as part of the school program.
There has been a great deal of stress factor added in the education process which has been further compounded by the addition of new programs and no new funds. New programs, such as additional early childhood development programs, new curricula and community high school extension programs. In reading the report, Mr. Speaker, it seems to me that the most important elements, of course, are those that do require funding, in other words, the other 12 recommendations. I guess I would be curious how the Minister can address those 12 that require funding. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause