With that, we’ll take a short break and begin with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

The Committee of the Whole took a short

recess.

I’d like to call the Committee of the Whole back to order. When we broke, we agreed to continue on with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

With that, I’d like to ask the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment if he has any general comments in regard to the business plans. Mr. Lafferty.

Mahsi, Mr.

Chair. I’m

pleased to present the Department of Education, Culture and Employment Main Estimates for the fiscal year 2008–2009.

This department invests in and provides for the development of the people of the Northwest Territories. Departmental activities flow from goals and objectives outlined in Building on our Success, the department’s strategic plan. These include the preservation and knowledge of our heritage, support and promotion of our official languages, students in our schools achieving their potential, an integrated adult learning network, a skilled workforce and a comprehensive system of financial supports within a responsive income security system.

Mr. Chair, the department is proposing to invest close to $294 million in 2008–2009, which represents an increase of 3 per cent from the 2007–2008 Main Estimates. This spending is in line with the priorities of the caucus of the 16th Legislative Assembly and the strategic direction set by Cabinet.

I would like to highlight some of the key initiatives and activities of the department and describe how these will contribute to our vision for northern people.

We will focus on building on our future through early childhood development investments, trades and technical opportunities in schools and expansion of the Teacher Education Program. We will make improvements to aboriginal and French language services and libraries. We will increase funding to culture and heritage, including new investments in arts. We will maximize opportunities for Northerners through initiatives in literacy and trades. We will also continue to improve supports in communities through the establishment of one-stop income security community service centres and capital investments in educational facilities.

To align our spending on these key initiatives and activities with available resources, the department will make reductions to Aurora College’s base funding, will end the oil and gas contribution program and reduce wage subsidy programs.

Education and Culture

First, within the education and culture activity for 2008–2009, we propose to spend $173 million for early childhood development, K-to-12 education, official languages and culture and heritage programs.

Early Childhood Development

We plan to spend $6.2 million on early childhood development activities. These activities will add to the early learning provided to children at home and help provide children with a good start in life by giving them the learning tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.

In recent years, the department has supported the establishment of 20 Language Nest programs across the Northwest Territories. In 2008–2009 and ongoing we will continue with these investments.

As part of the department’s strategic initiatives 2.5 positions will be added to the current staff complement of 4.5 to ensure that community-level early childhood programs comply with the new operational standards and have access to the technical support they need.

School System

For 2008–2009 the department is budgeting approximately $155 million to support education for children and youth through contributions and other supports to education authorities.

During the current school year we decreased the pupil-teacher ratio from 16 to 15 students for every teacher and increased funding for inclusive schooling from 17 to 19 per cent of school contributions. In 2008–2009 we plan to further reduce the PTR by 0.5 as part of the ongoing commitment to provide students with trades and technical opportunities.

The Aboriginal Languages and Culture-based Education Directive was established in 2003 to promote the integration of language and culture in our schools. In 2008–2009 we will contribute $120,000 to Aurora College to deliver the Aboriginal Language and Culture Instructor Program on a full-time basis so that schools are able to access more qualified staff to implement the directive.

To ensure we have enough teaching staff today and well into the future, the department will provide $300,000 to Aurora College in 2008–2009 to

expand access to the Teacher Education Program in all regions. This initiative will help ensure a qualified teaching workforce that represents the students it serves.

Official Languages

The $5.8 million allocation for official language activities in 2008 and 2009 includes the $3.8 million in federal funding from the recently renewed Canada-NWT Cooperation Agreement for French and aboriginal languages. A large portion of these monies will support activities of the official language communities. In 2008–2009 an implementation plan for delivery of French language services and for aboriginal language services will be developed. We will also pilot a single-window service centre for French and explore ways that we can use this approach for aboriginal languages.

Library Services

The department proposes to spend $1.1 million for the Northwest Territories Public Library System. The allocation will support the basic operations of community libraries and virtual libraries. In addition, $100,000 will be directed towards library capital improvements.

Culture and Heritage

In 2008–2009 we plan to spend $4.1 million on culture and heritage programs at both the territorial and community levels to further build a number of initiatives underway.

Recently the Arts Strategy Action Plan II was released jointly with Industry, Tourism and Investment after consultation with artists and cultural organizations across the Northwest Territories. In 2008–2009 a new investment of $500,000 will enhance support for arts and culture activities at the community level and contribute to pride in culture, community cohesion and our growing cultural economy.

Advanced Education and Careers

Within Advanced Education and Careers the department proposes to spend nearly $43 million. Programs and services in this area provide Northerners with access to career counselling, employment development and post-secondary education needed to successfully participate in our expanding economy.

College Programs

The department plans to spend $34.7 million to provide a number of certificate, diploma, degree and trade programs relevant to the NWT labour market. The $30.4 million contribution budgeted for

the operations of Aurora College includes $620,000 for the college program initiatives mentioned in my opening remarks. This contribution also reflects a $470,000 reduction to the college’s base funding. The college is currently finalizing its 2008–2009 plan to incorporate these planned changes.

Adult Literacy and Basic Education

Low literacy is a significant barrier to postsecondary education and employment development. In 2008–2009 the department will continue to invest $1.9 million for literacy initiatives. This investment includes support to the Aurora College Adult Literacy and Basic Education Program, the NWT Literacy Council and other community literacy partners.

Career and Employment Development

The department plans to spend nearly $9 million for apprenticeship, trades and occupations, and career and employment development programs. This amount includes $4.8 million in federal funding through the Canada-NWT Labour Market Development Agreement to provide employment development for individuals who are eligible for employment insurance.

The decision to end the oil and gas contribution program corresponds with the final year of the aboriginal futures partnership agreement that ended on March 31, 2008. Given our strong economy, approximately $1.3 million for wage subsidies is being taken out of the budget for 2008–2009. The Apprenticeship Training on the Job Program for small businesses will continue, however, to help train up to 200 apprentices every year.

The savings from program reductions will allow funding to be redirected to a number of higher priority trades-related enhancements. Through an annual investment of $200,000 towards the operation of the Aurora College Mobile Trades Training Unit, access to trades will be provided in the Beaufort-Delta region. We will also invest $100,000 in 2008–2009 to enhance supports for women and aboriginal apprentices. Together with the school trades initiative mentioned earlier in my remarks, these investments will help ensure increased enrolment and improved completion rates.

Employment Standards

This government recognizes the importance of establishing and ensuring compliance with employment standards as a means to ensuring a productive work environment. We propose to spend $720,000 on this function. Recently the Labour Standards Act was revised and replaced by the

Employment Standards Act, which came into force on April 1, 2008. In 2008–2009 the department will develop a plan to make employers and employees aware of the new requirements.

Along with these investments we will continue working with other governments and industry to ensure greater access by Northerners to training and employment opportunities.

Income Security

Within the income security activity the department has budgeted nearly $70 million during 2008–2009 for a range of benefit programs, including student financial assistance, income assistance and public housing rental subsidies.

The department recently integrated income security programs under a common policy framework and model. The new model describes a system of supports that will enable income assistance recipients to achieve greater self-reliance. This budget includes an additional $5.9 million to better meet the needs of our clients under this model.

The department is also moving toward the establishment of one-stop community service centres to deliver the range of income security programs.

Infrastructure

The departmental Main Estimates are supported with a request for continued investment in suitable education facilities over the planning period. With more than 65 educational facilities across the NWT, a number of which are nearing the end of their operational life, there is a need for continued investments in educational facilities. The high estimates for capital projects reflect the rising cost of capital construction.

Concluding Comments

The 2008–2009 Main Estimates are presented in the context of limited fiscal resources available to invest in new programs and services. As with other departments, it has been necessary to make difficult decisions. My ministerial colleagues and I have made decisions using the priorities of the 16th Assembly as a guide. We want to ensure that monies are spent to help build a better future for Northerners and maximize opportunities for individuals, families and communities. The departmental budget has been developed to further both the GNWT strategic direction and the department's strategic plan.

That concludes my opening remarks. I would be pleased to answer any questions the committee members may have. Mahsi, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. At this time I'd like to ask the committee responsible for overseeing the department's estimates if they have any opening comments. Mr. Robert McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The committee met with the Minister and his officials on Monday, April 7, 2008, to review the Draft Main Estimates of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Committee members made note that departments were proposing to spend $293.914

million in operations expense and

$24.408 million on capital projects in the fiscal year 2008–2009.

We would like to thank the Minister and his officials for appearing before committee. Committee members offer the following comments on issues arising out of the review of the 2008–2009 budget planning cycle.

Wage Subsidy Program — Apprentices

The department proposed during the Main Estimates review to eliminate all wage subsidy programs. Members of the committee were very concerned that funding to subsidize apprentice wages was included in this proposed reduction. While the elimination of Training on the Job and the Youth Employment Program subsidies is regrettable, it is clear to committee members that the same economic conditions that led the department to implement these programs no longer exist. The NWT economy is booming, and more and more students are graduating from high school and taking advantage of post-secondary educational opportunities. In addition, many of the large employers in the non-renewable resource sector are being good corporate citizens and are investing in education and training for their employees. All of these factors have lessened the need for the GNWT to offer wage subsidy programs as a way of fostering economic growth.

However, committee members believe that companies that hire apprentices still need to be subsidized to encourage them to continue to hire and train apprentices. Of particular concern to Members are the small business operators, the local housing authority, the municipalities that hire apprentices, which in recent years have lost many of their qualified tradespeople to the opportunities and higher wages offered by larger, multinational non-renewable resource companies operating in the Northwest Territories.

Apprentices and the time spent by journeypersons in instructing them and supervising on-the-job activities do not contribute to the bottom line of companies. It was generally acknowledged that apprentices do not start to contribute to the bottom line of a company until they are in their third year.

This is why the subsidy program does not subsidize fourth-year apprentices.

There is a shortage of qualified tradespeople in the North, and it is contributing to the higher costs that governments and residents are forced to pay in constructing or renovating infrastructure, homes and businesses. Members note that the department is planning to invest in improving opportunities for students in high school to be exposed to the trades and ensuring that the trades programs are delivered through Aurora College, using up-to-date equipment and technology.

In addition, Members had the opportunity to see mobile trades training in action on a recent trip to Inuvik and were impressed with the opportunities this type of innovative approach will offer adult learners and students in a secondary school. The committee supports the department’s plan to invest a further $200,000 per year in delivering this program.

The committee could not reconcile these increased investments that will encourage students to pursue trades training with reducing the potential number of available apprentice positions. The committee recommended that the department reinstate the apprentice wage subsidy for companies and organizations in the NWT that employ fewer than 100 people. The members were pleased that the department agreed with this recommendation and reinstated $100 million to the budget to subsidize businesses for the hiring of apprentices.

Mr. Chair, at this time I'd like to turn it over to my colleague Mr. Beaulieu. Thank you.

Mr. Beaulieu.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. McLeod.

Responsibility for Public Housing

Members of the committee are still hearing from constituents that the transfer of responsibility for social housing from the NWT Housing Corporation to the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is not working and is causing hardship for many families. It is acknowledged that any time there is a major shift in how government delivers a program, there are bound to be program delivery issues. The department has recognized that there are problems and has told the committee that they are working towards implementing solutions and improving communications with stakeholders. While this effort is appreciated, it has to be made clear to the department and the government that the members of the standing committee will need to see tangible proof of the improvement in program delivery before the review of the business plans in

September 2008 in order for there to be continued support for this program transfer. If improvement is not readily apparent, the committee may consider recommending, with renewed vigour, that the responsibility for all aspects of social housing be returned to the NWT Housing Corporation and its local housing authorities, who have proven they can deliver the program and have the confidence of the community residents.

Child Care User Subsidy for Students

Members of the committee were very concerned to hear the department was eliminating the Student Child Care User Subsidy program that provides subsidy to students while they attend post-secondary institutions in the NWT to care for their children while they're attending school.

In discussions with the Minister and his officials it became apparent that this program was undersubscribed and the regular Childcare Subsidy Program would also be applicable to students with children attending post-secondary institutions in the NWT. Members also confirmed that money received for Student Financial Assistance would not be used in determining program eligibility under the regular child care user subsidy program. With this understanding, the committee is prepared to accept this reduction, and there should be no adverse effect on students with children pursing post-secondary opportunities.

With that, I'd like to turn it over to my colleague Mr. Bromley.

Mr. Bromley.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In reviewing the presentation and discussion with the Minister on the proposed Main Estimates and the potential new departmental initiatives, it became apparent to members of the committee that the issue of literacy and ecology was not addressed. To become ecologically literate is to understand the principles of organization that ecosystems have developed to sustain the web of life.

In this century ecological literacy will be a critical skill for politicians, business leaders and professionals in all spheres. It will be one of the most important components of education at all levels, from schools to colleges and universities, for the continuing education and training of professionals.

Members are aware that many teachers are incorporating ecoliteracy into their lesson plans, but are of the impression that this is done on their own initiative and not as a required part of the curriculum.

The intent behind developing such a curriculum is to foster the experience and understanding of nature. Being ecologically literate, or ecoliterate, is to understand the basic principles of ecology and to be able to embody them in daily life and the lives of human communities.

The Standing Committee on Social Programs would like to see the principle of ecoliteracy incorporated into the curriculum for all school-age children and strongly encourages the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to begin the planning process for inclusion in the 2009–2012 business plans.

The availability of suitable facilities in many of the smaller communities in the Northwest Territories, such as child care facilities, has hampered the abilities of these communities to create new daycare spaces so that all residents can participate in the wage economy or further their education. The Children First Society in Inuvik and the various non-profit organizations running daycares in Yellowknife and other NWT communities are hard pressed to come up with economical solutions to their space requirements because of the aforementioned lack of infrastructure and the effects of inflation and a strong economy on rental rates in the private rental markets. It is clear to committee members that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has to take a larger role in helping daycare operators meet their space requirements.

Innovative solutions involving industry, aboriginal governments and development corporations, local governments and other GNWT departments and corporations need to be researched. All spare infrastructure that exists at the various levels of government needs to have its suitability for use as a daycare facility determined. Partnerships between the NWT Housing Corporation and aboriginal development corporations to allow for the inclusion of daycare facilities in infrastructure that may be built using loan guarantees is one example of a potential approach that may provide benefits to all parties involved.

Central governments traditionally step in when the private sector or junior levels of government cannot respond to the needs of the population. The committee would suggest that this is the case with ensuring that NWT parents have reasonable access to quality, affordable daycare in their home communities.

The North’s robust economy is providing many opportunities for residents of the NWT. It is a shame that primary caregivers with children under the age of 12 are denied the opportunity to participate in learning and economic opportunities because of a lack of daycare opportunities. We should be concentrating efforts in making sure that

all persons who live in the Northwest Territories are employed. Increased availability of quality daycare programs would help. The committee is hopeful that the department will consider a renewed effort in developing quality daycare spaces as part of the 2009–2012 business planning process.

Mr. Chairman, I’d like to now turn it over to my colleague Mr. Abernethy.

Mr. Abernethy.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Childcare Subsidy Program

Committee members support the Childcare Subsidy Program, which allows low-income earners who are parents to participate in the wage economy or pursue post-secondary studies. There is still concern on how the policy to not provide the subsidy to daycare operators when the child is absent because of sickness or family emergencies is negatively impacting daycare operators. It is noted that if a child is sick, they are not allowed or supposed to attend daycare and that the daycare operating costs remain the same regardless of whether a particular child attends or not. Members believe that stable funding equals a stable daycare operation and that this regressive, punitive policy should be rescinded. We look forward to further discussions on resolving this issue during the review of the 2009–2012 business plans in September 2008.

Income Security Program Reform

During discussions on respite care programs delivered by Health and Social Services authorities it became apparent to members that there was a disconnect between the services offered by the Department of Health and Social Services designed to keep people living in their own homes for as long as possible and the policies that guide the delivery of income security programs. For example, it is possible for a family to hire someone to live with their grandmother to assist in meeting her day-to-day needs without impacting the public housing rental rate she is charged. However, using the example of a granddaughter employed at the Northern Store moving in to assist, Granny’s rental rate would go up dependent on how much the granddaughter made. It seems ludicrous to the committee members that a stranger can move in without penalty, yet a family member is denied the ability to help a loved one without having the family incur extra costs for rent.

There are considerably more costs involved to move someone into a long-term care setting than could be gained through increasing social housing rents in situations like these. The committee is not

advocating a free-for-all approach and believes there is a role for a medical professional to play in determining eligibility and need for home care, to provide ongoing monitoring, and to ensure that such an arrangement is working out.

Recommendation

The Standing Committee on Social Programs recommends that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment modify their income security programs to allow employed family members to stay in a family member’s social housing unit without incurring rent increases where such an arrangement would improve quality of life and allow for continued independent living.

Mr. Chairman, I’d like to pass the reading of the document to Ms. Wendy Bisaro.

Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Utility Costs at Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

It was noted by the committee that the department expects to save $14,000 in utility costs in 2008–2009 because of renovations and upgrades to the technical and lighting systems at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. The department is to be commended for this. This is an example of how the retrofit or replacement of existing infrastructure using available energy-saving technology can result in savings for the GNWT.

If we were to extrapolate this type of savings to all of the major infrastructure projects for similar-sized buildings, like schools and hospitals, the amount could be quite significant. It is important that all capital projects consider energy saving and sustainability as guiding principles in their design and construction.

Student Financial Assistance Program Reductions

The department will be reducing the Student Financial Assistance loan allowance by $1.5 million. Members were concerned that this would have a negative impact on the amount of funding that students could access. In discussions with the Minister and his officials it became apparent that this was related to uptake and that the department has sufficient funding to meet the requirements of students in 2008–2009 and for the foreseeable future. With the understanding that no students will be adversely affected by this proposed reduction, the committee is prepared to support the department.

Renewable Energy Technician Program

With accelerating impacts of climate change and fossil fuel costs, this government has recognized the need to increase our use of renewable energy such as solar, biomass, wind and hydro. This need is emphasized in our Energy Plan and Greenhouse Gas Strategy. There are increasing opportunities for community applications as off-the-shelf technology becomes available, yet the technical expertise is missing. This gap needs to be addressed. Doing so will contribute to achieving this government’s education goals, its economic goals through the development of local economy and economic diversification, and finally, in achieving its environmental goals through greenhouse gas reduction.

Adaptation to Climate Change and Community Self-sufficiency

There are a few such programs available nationally that could be drawn upon or even partnered with in the initial stages. Youth today are interested in this area of expertise but frustrated with the lack of practical programming available. In addition, existing trades programs, like the building maintainer, electrician, plumber and gasfitting courses that are offered through Aurora College, need to incorporate this new energy-saving technology into their curriculum. The committee looks forward to discussing and incorporating renewable energy technology programming into the 2009–2012 business planning process.

Mr. Chairman, at this time I would like to return the reading of the document to Mr. McLeod.

Mr. Robert McLeod.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Sustainable Communities Program

The visions and goals of this Assembly revolve around healthy and environmentally sustainable communities. Communities that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable do not just happen. They require comprehensive planning and skilled attention in many areas, from full-cost accounting to building community spirit, developing self-sufficiency in leadership, and the encouragement of a strong local economy that meets its basic needs utilizing largely local resources.

The sustainable communities program at Aurora College could draw upon several of its existing courses, perhaps slightly modified, as well as others added to round out the need for a comprehensive curriculum. Graduates would add considerably to the community capacity and would

be inspired to return to their communities to practise their skills and inspire others. The committee looks forward to discussing and incorporating such a program into the 2009–2012 business planning process.

Mr. Chair, that concludes the committee’s report. We’d like to thank our committee staff, Mr. Collinson and Ms. Bennett, for all their hard work. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. With that, I’d like to ask the Minister if he’ll be bringing in any witnesses. Mr. Lafferty?

Yes, Mr. Chair.

Is the committee agreed for the Minister to bring his witnesses?

Sergeant-at-Arms, could you bring the witnesses in, please.

Mr. Minister, for the record could you introduce your witnesses, please?

Mahsi, Mr. Chair. I have to my left Mr. Dan Daniels, deputy minister of Education, Culture and Employment, and also Mr.

Paul Devitt, director of Strategic Business

Services, Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Welcome, witnesses.

Before we begin, I’d like to ask the Members about a question of process. As we agreed earlier today, we’ll allow for general comments from all Members and then allow the Minister to respond after all Members have made their general comments. Is that agreeable to the House?