Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The department is working with Health and Social Services on the Early Childhood Development Plan. There are some good programs already out in the public, Mr. Chairman.
The Aboriginal Head Start is a good program. Some of these programs are federally funded. We in the territorial government have a number of programs as well. I referred to them yesterday. We put approximately $4 million into early childhood programs, which is for day care subsidies, start up, and operations and maintenance costs, as well as subsidy programs for individuals.
It is a challenge for us to ensure that we provide programs that are appropriately addressed throughout the Territories for young children. That has been the underlying thrust between our efforts of Health and Social Services and Education, to develop within the Early Childhood Development Action Plan, which will be brought forward within several months.
I appreciate the Member's concern in that area and he does have a legitimate concern. Individuals who do go to work need the opportunity to look at having appropriate day care systems in place. Thank you.