Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the week of February 21st to 25th is Education Week. I believe that this is a good time to celebrate and appreciate all of the teachers across the Northwest Territories.
---Applause
If we take the time to reflect on what teachers do every day, we can develop a clear appreciation of their hard work, perseverance and community commitment. Our children are not always angels, Mr. Speaker, and I have to say that about my own little princess as well. I know when she gets to school, she is not an angel, so I apologize to her teachers. Mr. Speaker, I think that we all have admiration for teachers who deal with everyone and, I am sure, sometimes have to grit their teeth on some occasions.
Mr. Speaker, in today's society, we depend greatly on our teachers for helping our children develop into healthy, happy, educated, and successful adults. We spread their resources very thin and often challenge their classrooms with students who display disruptive behaviours which distract from the learning of others. Mr. Speaker, for various reasons, some children cannot cope in a regular classroom environment. Their resulting disruptive behaviours result in long periods of repeat suspensions and absenteeism from school. Mr. Speaker, it is a mandatory responsibility of this government to provide an education to every child in the Northwest Territories. If they are not in school, how is the government actually meeting this legislative mandate?
It is understood that not every child is equal in their ability, level of learning and social development. It is up to us to provide an education and environment to help these children to become productive members of society. This will require us to be creative in contemplating alternatives for students who cannot succeed in the mainstream environment.
Mr. Speaker, I will be addressing this issue through oral questions today. Mr. Speaker, if we see any teachers this week, we should take the time to congratulate them and to show how much we appreciate their efforts and how important they are to our children. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause.