Mahsi, Chair. The second item that I would like to highlight is page 6 of 9 on the community-based education programs. As the Social Programs committee toured the communities last year in December, and also in the early fall, at that time when we were touring the communities, we heard over and over about the deliverance of community-based training programs. I was glad to see that there was additional funding of $240,000 budgeted for the pilot distance early access program. That's a long title. I am glad to see that in there. At the same time, if it's based on the 33 communities or however the funding structure is based, that will be approximately $7,000 for community. Certainly $7,000 will go far enough in a community. If we can highlight Behchoko, for example, there are 1,800 people living there and $7,000 is just a small chunk of change.
The Minister mentioned that the college board approved some direct funding to regional campuses in the communities. Does the funding, the $27 million approximately, Aurora College funding allocation, serve throughout the North? There has been ongoing discussion about the online programs the Minister highlighted earlier with various industries in the communities and also with various institutions from the South. I am sure there are partnerships out there that are willing to jump on board with this. Let's say Diavik, or BHP, or De Beers and the Mackenzie Valley pipeline; who knows, they may want to jump on board, as well. We are always striving for...Let's say there are some reports that went out: For a Better Tomorrow or Building on our Successes. I think the true focus should be on the community level.
I would like to highlight one area of Aurora College, the developmental fund, $430,000. They will be developing new programs to address specific GNWT priorities. I realize and I am aware that the School of Governance, through MACA, is delivering these similar programs. It could be a duplication, but I think the $430,000 should be committed on to the $240,000, so $670,000 that will be
geared towards the pilot distance learning access program. That's where the essential need is in the communities. I think the department really needs to focus in that area. Although the Aurora College has their own mandate and mission, but we've heard over and over in the communities that that should be the strive; to deliver more programs in the community, certification, diplomas, trades and various areas of interest in the communities.
We have three mining companies in our backyard, the gas pipeline is coming down the stream and we need to get ready. I guess I appreciated that $240,000 was allocated, but another $430,000 that has been highlighted should be geared towards the pilot project. Out of that, we will highlight for next year what we need to identify. If at the community level it's under $10,000, the community is going to struggle with that. Mahsi, Chair.