Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do have some opening comments.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has a mission to invest in and provide for the development of the people of the Northwest Territories, enabling them to reach their full potential, to lead fulfilled lives and to contribute to a strong and prosperous society. This mission, as well as the goals outlined in the department's strategic plan update, supports the overall vision of the Government of the Northwest Territories, outlined in Towards A Better Tomorrow. In particular, the activities of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment support the first goal outlined in that vision: healthy, educated Northerners making responsible, personal choices for themselves and their families.

To fulfill our mission and reach our goals, the 2001-2002 Main Estimates for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment total $183 million for operations and maintenance and amortization of our capital assets. This represents an $8.9 million increase over the 2000-2001 Main Estimates. The increase addresses additional commitments, including a reduction in the pupil-teacher ratio, increased student supports, incremental funding to support the NWT Literacy Strategy, as well as an increase to the allowance for persons with disabilities and food scales provided under the income assistance program.

The department will continue implementation of our government's commitment to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio from 18 to one to 16 to one over a four-year period, which started in 2000-2001. The ratio is currently 17.5 to one and will be reduced to 17 to one in the 2001-2002 school year. Over the same four-year period, funding for student support activities will be increased from eight to 15 percent of the overall schools' budget -- an increase of more than 80 percent. Funding for student support is currently at 10 percent of the overall schools' budget and will be increased to 12 percent in 2001-2002.

These two initiatives will result in an additional estimated investment of over $3.6 million in schools in 2001-2002.

In our estimates, $2.4 million is included to enhance literacy activities across the NWT, based on the draft NWT Literacy Strategy. The strategy is a response to a motion passed in this House last summer and has been developed in consultation with other departments and representatives of non-governmental organizations, Members of the Legislative Assembly and the general public. It calls for increased access to literacy and adult basic education in NWT communities, increased workplace literacy programs, expanded library services, targeted programming for inmates, the disabled and seniors, as well as the development of baseline data to ensure that we clearly understand the nature of literacy and the progress of our efforts. These measures will go a long way towards helping prepare Northerners to take advantage of economic opportunities.

Earlier this year, the Premier spoke of the importance of "maximizing northern employment". The Premier made a number of commitments, some of which will be fully developed by March 31st of this year. The estimates before you do not include funding for any additional programs and services associated with these commitments. We are committed to the development of key initiatives in both the public and private sectors to advance employment opportunities and ensure that Northerners have the skills and knowledge needed to obtain available jobs.

The Northwest Territories has a very successful apprenticeship program and we plan to build on that success to help meet the increased demand for skilled tradespeople for current and future non-renewable resource development. We will be expanding the Schools North Apprenticeship program, which enables students to achieve credits towards their high school requirements while also receiving time credits towards apprenticeship. We will be working closely with the schools and employers to develop the implementation plan for expanding the program.

The department is working closely with the education authorities on teacher recruitment. The department has also begun discussions with the five divisional education councils and the Yellowknife education districts to identify strategies for employing northern graduates of teacher education programs. We expect those strategies to be developed more fully in the coming two months. The employment of northern teachers will support one of our key goals of having a teaching force that is representative of our northern population.

The department is also working with other GNWT departments to develop an internship program to employ graduates of programs other than teaching and nursing. The internship will provide the opportunity for recent graduates to gain valuable work experience, which will enhance their employability prospects for future employment. Strategies for the internship program are being worked on and will be finalized by the end of March.

It is important that we also continue to build on the work and the relationships that we have with many people, employers and organizations who have a role and an interest to play in maximizing northern employment. We will continue to work closely with the private sector to ensure training and employment opportunities are maximized for Northerners, not only through programs such as apprenticeship but also through programs like youth employment, formerly known as working together.

Due to an improved territorial economic situation, increased emphasis on career development and improved administrative systems, we are anticipating reduced spending in the income assistance program during the 2001-2002 years.

We are proposing to reinvest $500,000 into the income assistance food scales. Preliminary data gathered in a recent survey of food costs in NWT communities indicates this investment will ensure that the purchasing power of income assistance recipients is, at the very least, maintained at historical levels. As well, we are proposing to increase the disability allowance provided under the income assistance program by about 29 percent, from $175 to $225 per month. The additional cost for the increase in this benefit is $200,000.

We will also continue our work to support aboriginal languages. The Aboriginal Languages Strategy has been released in draft and we are receiving comments and suggestions from the language communities. The strategy will be finalized over the next two months.

Staff of ECE and the Department of Health and Social Services are working together on a comprehensive strategy to support early childhood development. The departments have identified four key areas for joint action:

• • Healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
• • Healthy parenting.
• • Early childhood care and learning opportunities.
• • Stronger community supports.

The action plan will be in addition to existing programs for our youngest residents. In 2001-2002, $1.8 million is allocated for the healthy children initiative, which provides funding for early childhood programs and services in the communities and funding to assist with specific supports for children with identified needs. In addition, we are continuing our support for licensed early childhood programs. There are currently over 70 licensed early childhood programs across the NWT with more than 1,200 licensed spaces for children.

We recognize the importance of developing a northern teaching work force that is representative of our northern population. Our continuing investment in the training and education of northern educators through the Aurora College Teacher Education Program will not only provide us with a more representative work force, but will also help to ensure that our education system is reflective of the language, culture and heritage of the North.

Before I conclude my comments this afternoon, I would like to thank the Standing Committee on Social Programs for providing me with some valuable advice during the review of the business plan and main estimates. Our discussions have helped to improve the department's plans and refine the directions that we are taking.

That concludes my opening remarks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.