Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am also in support of the principle of this bill. I have concerns similar to those of my colleagues. I think the problem of education in the Northwest Territories involves much more than student/teacher ratios and special needs.
I think this government has to be proactive in looking at ways of developing an education system that is reflective of the needs of the people. One way this could be done is to restructure the existing boards so that it is more reflective of the community they are supposed to represent. The Dogrib Community Services Board is a good example of that. I would be very happy to see some statistics since they took over the education, health and social services department and started running it their own way. A good friend of mine is working in that area, and he has nothing but good things to say about it.
In the communities I represent, along with the Yellowknives, they want to start their own board, similar to that of the Dogrib's. But they are running into roadblocks. People who have control now do not want to give it up. We are going to have to be tough and say you are going to have to give up control to the people who know the kids and the problems in the communities. Let them run it the way they see fit.
In the transfer of these programs and services, there has to be some thought given to incremental costs. People are starting to wise up to this government. This government gives out programs and services, but does not give enough resources to run those programs and services. They are hitting roadblocks right off the bat, and that is not a good way to start things.
Another area this government has to look at is improving the facilities. A lot of the facilities in the Northwest Territories schools are old and need improvement. Like my honourable colleague over here said earlier, there is no money. If we find some money for this area, we should not have to delve into other social programs costs. The government has a big challenge ahead of them to be imaginative in finding new sources of revenue.
Mr. Speaker, I am in support of the principle of this bill, but I do believe you have to take a comprehensive look at the whole education system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.