Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I am speaking in regards to computers in the schools in Nunakput. Speaking to the principal in Ulukhaktok, Nunakput communities, the schools have all outdated, second-hand and broken-down computers. Shame. These computers are often incompatible with modern software such as e-ware or, according to Mr. Bryant, most computers are even incompatible with the satellite link up in Ulukhaktok. Because of their isolated and unique communication challenges, limited access to the southern retailers, our schools should have modern, updated computers.

Mr. Speaker, if we are going to truly educate our youth to be competitive nationally and even internationally, we must commit to supply our schools with adequate resources required for today’s technological challenges and needs. Most schools have had the same computers for five to seven years. However, because these computers have been refurbished, they are an additional three to four years older. Mr. Speaker, it adds limitations to all Nunakput communities. Either lack of qualified computer technicians or do they not have enough to meet the needs of the community? Therefore, educators and students need the computers to be properly working and to not have technical problems. One educator in my riding told me that every computer in the community and the school has a serious problem. I believe education for our youth is very important. I believe preparing them for…