Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Early Childhood Development Action Plan, to which my honourable colleague, Mr. Miltenberger, referred, supports the work underway to develop a comprehensive social agenda aimed at improving the quality of life for all NWT residents. Early childhood is the foundation for healthy development. All children need support and nurturing.

Many children in the NWT receive that support and nurturing from their families. Efforts in the home are enhanced through a range of early childhood programs and services offered at the community level. This government's role is to support communities and families in their efforts to provide every child born with the best possible start in life. We have a responsibility, Mr. Speaker, to ensure support is provided efficiently and effectively, in partnership with other government departments, other levels of government and with non-governmental organizations.

In developing the early childhood action plan, Education, Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services recognized significant opportunity to work together building on successful programs and services already in place. Some programs will be enhanced. Other programs, like the ones outlined by Mr. Miltenberger, are in development. The government is committed to ensuring that a comprehensive range of programs, intended to support early childhood development, is available to all NWT residents through an integrated service delivery model.

Mr. Speaker, an integrated service delivery model breaks down barriers between program providers by encouraging discussion that identifies mutual goals. It promotes collaboration and reduces duplication of programs and services. Early childhood program providers from across the Northwest Territories have already begun reviewing the options available for integrating services at the community level. The goal of many communities is to establish child and family resource centres to deliver a range of complimentary programs and services.

Research shows that the most effective way of fostering early childhood development is through a multi-faceted continuum of programs ranging from health care to positive parenting and early literacy. Increased interaction between parents, children and other members of the community promotes social well-being, as well as the intergenerational transmission of language and culture.

Mr. Speaker, Northerners have long recognized the need for quality early childhood programs and services. It is a priority for our government to work together and with our partners to ensure that all NWT children get the best possible start in life. When our children grow up healthy and are able to realize their full potential, we will have developed our greatest resource -- our people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause