Item 14, tabling of documents. Mr. Handley.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document entitled, "Gwich'in and Inuvialuit Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle for the Beaufort-Delta Region." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 14, tabling of documents. Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I have six documents to table. The Legal Services Board Annual Report for 1996-97.

The Legal Services Board Annual Report for 1997-98.

The Legal Services Board Annual Report for 1998-99.

The Legal Services Board Annual Report for 2000-2001.

The Legal Services Board Annual Report for 2001-2002. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause

Item 14, tabling of documents. Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document entitled, "Action Plan To Strengthen Tuberculosis Management and Control in the NWT: Status Report, March 2004." Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Item 14, tabling of documents. Item 15, notices of motion. Item 16, notices of motion for first reading of bills. Item 17, motions. Item 18, first reading of bills. Item 19, second reading of bills. Item 20, consideration in Committee of the Whole of bills and other matters: Bill 1, Appropriation Act, 2004-2005; Bill 4, Supplementary Appropriation Act, No. 3, 2003-2004; Committee Report 1-15(3): Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight Report on the Review of the Draft 2004-2005 Main Estimates; Committee Report 2-15(3): Standing Committee on Social Programs Report on the Review of the Draft 2004-2005 Main Estimates; and, Committee Report 3-15(3): Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development Report on the Review of the Draft 2004-2005 Main Estimates. By the authority given the Speaker by Motion 2-15(3), the House is resolved into Committee of the Whole to sit beyond the time of adjournment until the committee is prepared to report, with Mrs. Groenewegen in the chair.

I would like to call Committee of the Whole to order. The matters before us have already been read out by the Speaker and I don't think we need to read them again. What is the wish of the committee? Mr. Allen.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee recommends that we review the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, and we review them until the conclusion of that department. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Agreed. Thank you. Shall we proceed with the opening remarks from the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment?

Agreed. Thank you. Mr. Dent.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The main estimates we bring forward today total nearly $214 million. Overall, this represents an increase of $3.2 million, or 1.5 percent, in the departmental budget over last year's main estimates. It is, however, important to note that increases for schools, based on enrollment changes, have not yet been finalized and, as a result, are not reflected in these numbers.

This modest increase in the department's budget represents a balance of program reductions and reinvestments in key areas.

First, within the education and culture activity of the department, we are proposing to spend nearly $135 million. Spending in this area includes monies for early childhood development, schools, as well as cultural and heritage programs. I would like to highlight a few key activities.

Early Childhood Development

For 2004-2005 we plan to spend $4.4 million on early childhood development activities. These activities help provide children with a healthy start in life and assist in preparing them for learning in our school system.

As Members are aware, the three-year early childhood development initiative ends at the end of this month. During the last three years the GNWT has funded a range of activities to support healthy development of children. An evaluation of the initiative is currently underway and should assist us in determining how to effectively invest any future funding in this area.

School System

Schooling has been identified by most of the Members of the Assembly as being critical to the future development of the Northwest Territories. During the last two months, Members have told me they feel more must be done to keep children in school and to improve the results of the school system. During 2004-2005 we proposed to spend nearly $115 million in support of schooling.

Madam Chair, our education system has made a number of significant gains over the past 20 years. For example, more students are accessing senior secondary programs in their communities and more aboriginal students are graduating. In 1999, there were 81 aboriginal grads and in 2003 there were 113. There were 620 students enrolled in community high schools in 1998-99 and in 2003-04 there are 872.

During the coming year, ECE will be making a number of modifications to its accountability structure for schooling. For example, the department is preparing an aboriginal language and culture-based education directive that will be sent to all education authorities outlining program requirements and criteria for expenditure. The department is also working with education authorities to expand student assessment activities.

Official Languages

Madam Chair, during 2004-2005 we will continue to follow up on recommendations made in the last Assembly regarding official languages. In addition to federal funding of over $2.6 million, we proposed to spend $2.290 million on languages activities during the year. This includes an additional $100,000 to support the establishment of two language boards by July 1, 2004. The boards will provide me with advice on matters of importance to language communities. This will help determine the services we provide and initiatives that our government puts into place for the promotion, enhancement and revitalization of aboriginal languages.

Within advanced education and careers, the department is proposing to spend $72.428 million. Programs and services within this activity are focussed on ensuring that northerners have access to skills training and the post-secondary education needed to successfully participate in our expanding economy. The branch also supports career development activities to assist residents in expanding their careers and offers a range of income

assistance programs ranging from student financial assistance to income support.

Career Development - Maximizing Northern Employment

At the present time there are a number of job opportunities across the Northwest Territories. If northerners are to receive the greatest benefit from these jobs, they need to have the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully compete for opportunities. The skills of the workforce must be linked to the requirements of employers.

During the next fiscal year an expenditure of $7.7 million is proposed to support programming related to career and employment development as well as apprenticeships and occupational certification. Activities supported by this funding include: training on the job, stimulation of youth employment, the provision of career counselling and the continued work with employers in both the public and private sector to plan and deliver skills training.

In many cases, training to prepare northerners for work on NWT resource development projects must be planned and delivered in partnership with industry and aboriginal organizations. We remain committed to continuing to work closely with these organizations to plan, deliver and evaluate programming with a goal of ensuring that northerners benefit from relevant, high-quality and accredited training.

Colleges

Madam Chair, during the next year we plan to continue to support our northern college system with an expenditure of $27.696 million. Aurora College has primary responsibility to provide training and adult basic education programs that will prepare students for jobs and productive activity in our communities. This year's main estimates include an additional investment of $880,000 to implement a bachelor's degree program for nurses. This will help ensure that we increase the supply of nurses to serve in our communities.

Income Security Programs

Madam Chair, during the 2004-2005 year the department will increase funding for student financial assistance by $825,000 to meet the needs of students participating in the program.

The GNWT also continues to provide a broad range of subsidies and services that address basic needs across the lifespan. To ensure these programs remain current, we have established an annual process for examining income support levels for food and personal care items. Current funding levels will allow us to continue meeting these needs.

Finally, Madam Chair, I would note that the capital acquisition plan for the fiscal year is valued at $9.681 million. Implementation of the projects identified in the plan will result in the completion of the Mildred Hall School renovations and the Aurora Campus Academic Building in Inuvik; continued renovations to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and project activities to replace the Chief Albert Wright School in Tulita and to build the Ecole Boreale, the French first language school in Hay River. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Dent. At this time I'm going to ask the Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Programs, Member for the Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya, to provide the committee's overview of the main estimates for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Mr. Yakeleya.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would also like to let the committee know we are going to do this through teamwork, and my honourable colleague from Nunakput, Calvin Pokiak, will conclude the report.

The committee met on February 23rd, 2004, with the Minister and his officials to consider the 2003-2004 draft main estimates for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

The committee notes an estimated $213.705 million for operations expenses, an increase of $2.685 million over last year's numbers and a total of $13.430 million for capital infrastructure for 2004-2005.

Yellowknife Aurora College Campus

The committee is concerned with rising costs and diminishing adequacy of the current Aurora College facilities in Yellowknife. During the review of the draft main estimates the committee noted $145,000 forced growth due to increased lease costs for the Northern United Place, NUP, Aurora College Yellowknife Campus. The Minister clarified that the total increase to lease costs for this year are actually closer to $329,000. Members note the total lease costs for the Northern United Place campus are now $1.529 million. This does not include lease costs for off-campus facilities.

The committee is concerned costs are escalating for a facility known to have substantial shortcomings for college program delivery. The building has reached capacity and classroom space is already being rented off-campus. In addition, the NUP campus has no dedicated parking, insufficient student housing and the campus design provides limited opportunities for student interaction outside of the classroom setting. The Yellowknife Campus is the only Aurora College campus struggling to deliver programming in a facility that was not purpose built. The standing committee indicated a strong need to begin to look at options to address these problems.

During the review, the department commented that the NUP lease will expire in 2007 and they have begun to consider options. Committee Members were pleased to hear that the Minister had initiated a cost-benefit analysis of staying in the current location versus new construction. The committee supports a cost-benefit analysis and looks forward to seeing the results, possibly during the next business planning cycle.

Student Housing At Aurora College

The committee is concerned with the lack of vision that the department demonstrated for student housing at Aurora College campuses. Inadequate student housing is a problem for all three campuses and committee Members stress the need for a comprehensive plan to deal with the issue.

During the review the Minister explained that the decision had not yet been made whether to use the $2.272 million total capital allocation for the Green Apartments and the

$2.314 million total capital allocation for the Brown Apartments in Fort Smith for a retrofit of the existing apartments or for construction of a completely new structure. The committee questioned if the plan to retrofit the Fort Smith apartments would be cost efficient. They noted that $446,000 had been allocated for work to begin as early as 2004-2005. Given the vagueness of the department's plans, the committee was concerned that the start date for this project was too soon and recommended careful analysis prior to action.

The Minister assured committee Members of further consultation on this issue prior to the commencement of any work. The committee is receptive to this approach.

Over the last few years, Aurora College has implemented a number of excellent programs geared at students from across the Northwest Territories. Many have relocated to attend. Unfortunately, the department's student housing initiatives have not been keeping pace with the growth of programs. As a result, housing needs for out-of- town students, particularly in Yellowknife and Inuvik, are not currently being met.

During the review of the NWT Housing Corporation draft main estimates the standing committee noted that a considerable number of out-of-town students were occupying social housing. Approximately 90 Aurora College students are currently occupying social housing and another 18 are on the waiting list. The concern is that student use has increased pressure on a program whose mandate is not to meet the needs of out-of-town students.

Student housing was an unresolved issue from the last Assembly and the committee sees no indication that Aurora College and the department are any closer to developing a comprehensive plan. Committee Members expressed considerable apprehension for what it sees as an ad hoc response to a crucial issue that warrants a carefully thought out strategy.

As the department and Aurora College had not yet finalized how they were going to deal with the issue, the committee got a commitment to be informed of further details as they unfold. The committee is giving the department the benefit of the doubt and has approved the $446,000 because they do need the planning money to advance the project.

Residential School Survivors And Secondary Victims

The committee would like to see a proactive position from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment on the issue of residential school survivors and secondary victims. The committee stresses the need to actively look into possible funding opportunities from the federal government for the GNWT and to support individuals and organizations in accessing the available funding.

Committee members would like to see the department's efforts go beyond restitution to victims as directed by the Courts. Committee members would like to see the department look for additional opportunities for involvement in assisting residents in accessing federal programs and dollars. The devastating impacts that the residential school system has had on families, language, culture and heritage are well known. Members of the committee hope that the department will keep this issue in mind and that it will be reflected in department goals and program delivery.

Rationalization Of Income Security

The committee is pleased to offer support for Education, Culture and Employment's plans to rationalize income security programs. Committee members commented that excessive "stove piping" and compartmentalization of the various components of income security result in unnecessary frustration among clients. The committee feels that a more integrated case-management style delivery model would increase the quality of service to clients. The need for life management skills counselling to be integrated into income security program delivery was emphasized.

During the review the Minister provided a brief historic overview of the decision made in 1994 to separate what was viewed as strictly clerical income support functions from the counselling aspects of the social services program. The rationale was that this would free up more time for social workers to provide counselling services. Unfortunately the counselling mandate appears to have fallen through the cracks. Income support recipients in need of life-skills counselling are not always receiving the services they require.

The committee favours a broad-based approach to the review of income security programs and emphasizes the need for cooperation among all government departments involved in income security and social services program delivery. The standing committee also advocates increased training of income support workers to better identify the needs of clients so as to better assist clients to help themselves. The committee looks forward to a full briefing on income support programs and a discussion paper on options for the rationalization of income security by June.

The Minister proposed substantial committee involvement during the examination of income security programs. The committee is receptive to this approach.

Bachelor Of Education Degree Program

The members of the standing committee are disappointed to note that the four-year Bachelor of Education degree program in the Northwest Territories will not go ahead as planned. Aurora College had anticipated beginning delivery of the fourth and final year of a Bachelor of Education degree at the Fort Smith campus starting in September of 2004.

The committee understands that current fiscal constraints have brought the Bachelor of Education degree as well as a number of other deserving programs to a standstill. However, committee members are very supportive of the program and hope to see its implementation sometime in the near future.

Programs geared to training NWT residents to meet the NWT's needs for professionals in areas such as teaching and health care have been proven successful. The Bachelor of Education degree program is a key component of the strategy for teacher recruitment and retention in NWT communities.

Madam Chair, at this time I would like to ask the Member for Nunakput, Calvin Pokiak, to continue with the report.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Pokiak.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Early Childhood Development

The Social Programs committee is very concerned with the sunset of parts of this very important initiative, particularly under the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Anecdotal evidence has placed a very high value on the success of the language nest portion of this program as part of any successful early childhood development program, such as the Aboriginal Head Start Program.

There was general consensus between Members from both smaller and larger centres on the success of the program and the need to save it from being lost because of the failure to ensure ongoing funding. It was also recognized that the infrastructure is in place to continue this program, but there is a danger of losing this infrastructure if the program is allowed to lapse for any significant period of time. There was no advance evaluation done by the department on the success of the early childhood development programs affected by the sunset of the applicable funding.

The committee pointed out that in a direct and tangible way, language nests deliver many aspects of Education, Culture and Employment's departmental goals: better beginnings for children; support and resources for community involvement in the education process; and the promotion of aboriginal language and culture.

What's more, it is a program that has been successful in virtually every community across the Territories. Few programs attain this level of success across all regions. Young children have had the opportunity to spend time with elders where they are exposed to aboriginal language through storytelling at the time that the mind is most ready. They gain a strong foundation in their aboriginal language in a cultural context and are infinitely better prepared to learn once they enter the formal K to 12 education system.

The committee recognizes that current fiscal realities force this government to make some very difficult decisions. However, this committee feels that the aboriginal language nest program must be a priority at this time. Investments in the youngest members of our society ultimately pay off. Committee noted that language is fundamental to identity. Pride and competence in an individual's aboriginal language improves self-esteem, which directly translates to success in school, in post-secondary education and in employment. The far ranging benefits of language nest programs have been well documented in New Zealand and Hawaii, where they have been established for 25 years.

Committee members noted that the department is currently undertaking a review of the effectiveness of the sunset programs under the early childhood development program. The committee is very concerned, that a program, that by all accounts is successful, can be lost without any proper analysis as to its effectiveness.

Until such time, as committee members can be persuaded to the contrary, we offer the following recommendation:

The Standing Committee on Social Programs recommends that the department of Education, Culture and Employment continue to provide base funding for its early childhood development program at 2003-2004 levels and program delivery parameters.

This concern was passed on to the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight and was subsequently conveyed to the Minister of Finance.

Community And Family Support For Education

The committee recognizes the positive effects that community and family support have on the education process. Some Members commented that in smaller communities families are interested in what's happening at school and yet, in many cases, parents are hesitant to become directly involved. The committee supports Education, Culture and Employment to work with local education authorities to continue to foster increased involvement at the community level and to develop strategies to overcome barriers to family participation.

The committee supports a conception of education that recognizes culture and language as a vital component of the education process. A system that reflects the values of a community is more likely to draw involvement and support of family, which directly translates into increased success for students. A healthy individual self-identity is an important component in preparing school-aged kids for success in further education and productive life choices.

Quality Of School Programming In Communities

The committee was pleased to hear the Minister's comments that more students are accessing senior secondary schooling in their home communities. The committee applauds the work that has been done to implement grade extensions in communities. Grade extensions permit students to complete senior secondary education in their own communities where family and community involvement, and continued exposure to cultural heritage, provide the necessary support for students to be successful in school and for healthy personal development.

However, the committee did note that anecdotal evidence suggests a number of problems that substantially undermine the quality of senior secondary education in the smaller communities. Notably, students in a single class often range in age and grade level to such an extent that individuals are hindered in their ability to learn. Not only is this frustrating for students, but it is hugely detrimental for students who go on to further their studies in larger centres.

The committee would like to see an across-the-board standard of evaluation and a strategy to ensure that this standard is attained or exceeded by all Northwest Territories students, regardless of where they attend senior secondary school.

The Standing Committee on Social Programs recommends that a quantitative evaluation on grade extensions be undertaken to ensure that not only are students accessing senior secondary schooling in their home communities, but moreover that they are graduating with a quality of education that allows them to be successful and competitive if and when they pursue post-secondary studies.

Northwest Territories students in smaller communities deserve the same quality of education that their

counterparts in the regional centres receive. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment must ensure both quantity and quality in smaller communities. The committee looks forward to being apprised of a documented improvement in the quality of senior secondary education in smaller communities over the next four years.

Student Financial Assistance

The Standing Committee on Social Programs is concerned with the rapid increase in costs for the student financial assistance program since 1999-2000. From 2002-2003 actuals to the 2004-2005 draft main estimates, the budget jumped by $5.394 million, representing a 24 percent increase. If this proves to be an ongoing trend, it is alarming. Committee members are concerned that this kind of an increase over any length of time cannot be sustained.

The committee was informed during the review of the draft main estimates that the increase is due to increased uptake; more students are accessing funding for post-secondary education. The Minister explained that the level of funding available to students has not changed since a substantial overhaul of the program in 1999-2000.

It is well known that the cost of education is skyrocketing across Canada. According to StatsCan, Canadian undergraduate students paid an average of $4,025 in tuition fees for the 2003-04 academic year. This is up from $3,749 in 2002-03. The committee pointed out that the program will need to be reviewed again sometime in the near future. The concern is that student financial assistance costs are already increasing unsustainably, even without increases to funding levels to meet the rising costs of education.

The committee would like to see further analysis focusing on the sustainability of the program, to ensure that it is keeping up with students' needs and to see whether the program is attaining the desired outcomes. The committee looks forward to detailed examination of this program during the committee's review of all Education, Culture and Employment's income security programs.

Pipeline Employment Opportunities

The committee acknowledges the work the department and industry have done to date in delivering oil and gas training to the residents of the Mackenzie Valley. Committee Members support these efforts and encourage the department to step them up so as to be in a position to benefit from this one-time event. The committee stresses that preparations are essential and the window of opportunity is short. If residents of the Northwest Territories are not prepared, opportunities will be lost.

During the review of the draft main estimates, committee members questioned the Minister about the department's preparedness to cooperate with southern unions. The Standing Committee on Social programs was pleased to hear from the Minister that departmental representatives had held initial meetings with unions that will likely be involved in pipeline construction.

The committee cannot stress enough the importance of a cooperative approach to dealing with industry and their unions. A relationship must be developed if NWT residents are to receive the full benefit from the construction of the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

The department and its partners must be prepared to concentrate on the training necessary for northerners to qualify for the 250 jobs related to the operation of the pipeline. The committee will be looking for tangible training targets in September 2004 when reviewing the department's business plan for 2005-2008.

Services For 16 To 18 Year Olds

Members of the standing committee remain concerned with the gap in services experienced by 16 to 18 year olds who are no longer living with their parents or guardians. This issue was raised in the last assembly and resulted in the passage of Bill 22, An Act to Amend the Child and Family Services Act, on October 30, 2002. Changes to the act made the Department of Health and Social Services unequivocally responsible for children under the age of 19.

Nonetheless, individual Members of the Legislative Assembly are still contacted on a regular basis by 16 to 18 year olds who are having problems accessing the services they require to address their basic needs. It would seem that many of these problems result from a lack of awareness if frontline workers in the income support and health and social services fields have of recent amendments. The committee would like to see training for frontline staff so that they can ensure this demographic receives the services they require.

Harmonization

The committee understands the harmonization initiative has been put on hold and is looking forward with enthusiasm to working with the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment in reviewing and rationalizing income security programs.

The committee is expecting a new era of cooperative efforts between all departments involved in income security programs.

Madam Chair, that concludes the report of the Standing Committee on Social Programs on the review of the budget of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Pokiak. At this time I would like to ask if the Minister would like to bring in witnesses.