Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The early childhood development initiative program has been doing a lot of good in our communities in the regions, and I had a phone call today about a concern from one of the communities in the Sahtu, and they asked if I would raise this concern. Right now they're scrambling for money, the program is up and has been running, and a lot of hopes were drowned out by not funding this program. This program has done a lot of good in the Sahtu region. It may not have any plans in winding down this program and how it's going to be told to the communities. It's not good; it's not good for us, for our communities and for our children. I got several complaints, several enquiries from Deline and Tulita. They are saying let's do something about this program, it has done a lot of good in our communities. We're talking about healthy living and healthy lifestyles, and it starts with our generation. A lot of good work has been done in this program. So it's something that this government really needs to bring to the attention of the federal government in terms of this kind of programming. They had the budget address on TV and we got some reports on the federal government's address. You know, walk their talk in terms of the early childhood development programs in our communities. They are very important, very key. It's something that a lot of families, a lot of children, a lot of organizations in the communities depend upon. If it's a sunset clause I understand it, and I just hope that in some way this government could work with some of the partnerships that they're looking at forming with regard to some development in the Northwest Territories. They have to put back into some of the resources and infrastructures in the communities with regard to doing business in our communities down the Mackenzie Valley in terms of natural resources that are being taken out of the Northwest Territories, such that these programs are worthwhile and worthwhile fighting for. So I think that the Minister should suggest in any way that they could look at supporting this program and continuing on with the people in the small communities. I think I want to offer that and I will keep bringing this up because it's a worthwhile cause and it's a crying shame, Mr. Minister, that this program here has to be sunsetted.
Norman Yakeleya on Committee Motion 4-15(3): To Develop An Action Plan To Deal With Stds, Tb, Diabetes And Obesity, Carried
In the Legislative Assembly on March 23rd, 2004. See this statement in context.
Committee Motion 4-15(3): To Develop An Action Plan To Deal With Stds, Tb, Diabetes And Obesity, Carried
Revert To Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 23rd, 2004
Page 233
See context to find out what was said next.