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.