Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment produced its current strategic plan in 1994. This plan has provided the vision and direction for the department's work over the past six years. In December, 1998, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment announced a review of the plan. The purpose of this review was to update the strategic plan based on the changes that have occurred in the Northwest Territories and our vision as a new territory. As part of that process, the Minister's Forum on Education was appointed to hear the views of NWT residents on what is working and what could be improved in the education system. The forum undertook a very broad consultation process across the NWT, visiting eleven communities and receiving a number of written submissions.

Mr. Speaker, in April this year, I tabled the report of the Minister's Forum on Education in the Assembly. The report outlined both the strengths of the current system and the areas where people would like to see improvement. While the forum results are intended to be part of the longer term strategic plan update, there were a number of issues raised in the report where more immediate and short-term action was possible. We decided it was important to provide a swift response to the forum recommendations, highlighting what could be done right away. During a meeting in May, DEC and DEA chairs also expressed their support for taking quick action, where possible, on the forum recommendations.

Later today, I will be tabling our response to the nine areas of concern identified by the forum. The response speaks mainly to the actions that the department will undertake. However, these actions will also be supported by the Divisional Education Councils and District Education Authorities through other activity at the regional and school levels.

Without question, Mr. Speaker, some of the forum recommendations will need additional resources if they are to be fully implemented. As we look at future years' budgets, these needs will be reflected in our decisions as a department. However, in the meantime, staff have identified a number of actions which will have a positive impact on the areas of concern. The response speaks to those actions. The feedback from the Minister's forum and this response will be included in the longer term strategic plan update, which will be completed by September. The actions I am putting forward today are consistent with the overall direction and vision for the department over the next five to ten years.

Mr. Speaker, we believe that this response demonstrates our commitment to seriously addressing the forum's recommendations. The actions are positive and realistic within our current resources and will contribute to the continuing process of our education system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-Applause