Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Our vision of northern people leading fulfilled lives and contributing to a strong and prosperous society is the driving force behind the direction we set for the department in its strategic plan, Building on Our Success, and in the 20907-08 Main Estimates we bring forward today.
The 2007-08 Main Estimates for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment total over $286 million. These estimates represent a 10 percent increase over last year's budget and include significant increases to fund early childhood development, inclusive schooling, school trades and physical activity, literacy, college and income security programs. They also include significant increases to pay for the higher cost of fuel, collective agreements and infrastructure.
I would like to highlight a few key activities of the department and how they will contribute to our vision for northern people.
Education And Culture
First, within the education and culture activity of the department, we propose to spend $170.2 million in programs and services to residents of the NWT. Spending in this area includes money for early childhood development programs and schools, as well as language, cultural and heritage programs.
Early Childhood Development
Early childhood program activities complement the early learning provided at home and in our communities. They help to provide children with a healthy start in life and give them the learning tools they need to succeed in school and beyond. For 2007-08, we plan to spend $5.7 million on early childhood development activities.
Mr. Chairman, the department is budgeting $843,000 more for subsidizing the operation of childcare centres and family day homes in 2007-08.