Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We continue to speak of supporting our children and ensuring that they receive high quality education beginning with the primary and elementary levels. Studies show that paying attention to young children’s learning needs pays off. These children develop into more enthusiastic students and are more likely to succeed in higher education.

Learning starts in the home community. When the children begin school they need a healthy, safe, nurturing environment. They need the necessary space to play and work together in groups. Our children require a safe and enjoyable place to learn.

In my riding of Nahendeh, the community of Trout Lake has outgrown its school. The Charles Tetcho School is a one-room classroom built 20 years ago for a small population of 50. At that time there were very few children.

I am proud to say that Trout Lake is now a growing community. Now the students in the classroom have both primary and middle school age. The community needs a building where there can be some separation of grade levels to allow for different activities to be going on at once.

In order to satisfy the needs of children and youth in grades kindergarten to 9, Trout Lake needs two or more classrooms. I ask the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment to recognize the needs of the students of the Charles Tetcho School and ensure that a budget for a new school is in the next capital plan. I will be asking the Minister questions during question period.