Yes, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to present the 2009-2010 Main Estimates for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.
Our vision of northern people leading fulfilled lives and contributing to a strong and prosperous society is the driving force for where we are going as a
department. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment strategic plan, Building on Our Success, along with the government’s strategic plan and initiatives provide the direction for our 2009-2010 Main Estimates.
The proposed 2009-2010 Main Estimates for Education, Culture and Employment totals $299.631 million, an increase of 3.3 percent over the previous year’s main estimates. The main estimates incorporate funding for ongoing programs and for strategic initiatives for each of the department’s key activities. It includes $4.6 million for proposed new initiatives in language and culture, in the arts, in labour market literacy, in immigration support, in client services and in the trades.
Early Childhood Development
Overall, in 2009-2010, we propose to spend approximately $6.069 million on early childhood development activities. These activities help provide children with a healthy start in life and give them the learning tools they need to succeed in school and beyond. The department plans to conduct a review of the Early Childhood and Family Literacy training programs in 2009-2010 and to bring forward plans to further improve early childhood programs for 2010-2011.
School System
This government knows that addressing the needs of students is paramount to ensure that children have the best possible start to their learning journey. The proposed 2009-2010 budget for school programs totals $160.910 million. Most of this money will go directly to education authorities at the regional and community level.
In 2009-2010 the department will work with Northwest Territories education authorities on a strategy to eliminate the education achievement gap between aboriginal and non-aboriginal students. A proposed investment of $225,000 will enable high school students from small communities to access the programs they need to fulfill their individual career and education plans.
We will also work with education authorities to develop a framework that supports high school trades initiatives. An additional $145,000 is being proposed to establish a curriculum coordinator position responsible for apprenticeship math and accountability for new “trades in schools” programming.
On a broader level, the department will work with the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association to complete recommendations on how to promote a safe school environment for students and teachers across the Northwest Territories.
A total of $6.864 million is being included in the proposed 2009-2010 budget to cover negotiated Collective Agreement increases for teacher salaries and benefits. School funding reductions in line with lower enrolments are offset by increases required to maintain the level of student support funding and the pupil-teacher ratio for the remainder of the 2008-2009 school year, covering the period from April to June.
Library Services
In the area of library services we propose to spend $1.044 million for 2009-2010. A proposed $150,000 investment will increase the hours of operation for 11 small community libraries. A proposed additional $137,000 will be contributed to community libraries to offset operational costs.
Culture And Heritage
In 2009-2010 the department proposes to invest an additional $700,000 in the arts to increase supports for individuals, projects and organizations that showcase Northwest Territories arts and cultures. This is in addition to the $500,000 added in 2008-2009 and will bring the annual budget for arts and cultural contributions to $2 million in 2009-2010.
The department also proposes to invest $300,000 for the collection of museum and archival materials for the development of exhibit storylines with elders and other community experts, and for the design and production of museum and on-line exhibits representing the culture and heritage of the Northwest Territories.
Official Languages
We propose to spend $6.146 million on official languages activities during the fiscal year. Education, Culture and Employment is working with the language communities, other Government of the Northwest Territories departments and the federal government to support service in and the acquisition, maintenance and revitalization of our 11 Northwest Territories official languages.
Four of the six modules in the Aboriginal Language Interpreter Translator Pilot Training Program has been completed. The Northwest Territories French Language Single Window Service Centre opened in Yellowknife in June 2008. In 2009-2010 the department proposes to invest an additional $100,000 toward piloting single-window service centres for one or more of our aboriginal languages. These centres will provide information and services in the aboriginal languages based on needs identified through consultations with the aboriginal language communities.
College And Literacy Programs
In 2009-2010 we plan to support our college and adult basic education and literacy programs with a proposed expenditure of $35.475 million. The new Literacy Strategy targets youth who are not in school and do not participate in the labour market. Completion of college, university or trades training equips Northerners to take advantage of economic opportunities. A $600,000 literacy investment is being proposed to increase the number of adult educators in small communities and to raise literacy programs in 2009-2010.
A proposed $419,000 investment will support Aurora College trades and technology programs and an additional proposed $240,000 will be used to maintain equipment and to support the Aurora College heavy equipment operator training in Deh Cho and South Slave communities.
Apprenticeship, Trades And Occupations
In 2009-2010 the department proposes to add $150,000 to pay fees and tuition on behalf of apprentices due to increased apprenticeship registrations and $100,000 to encourage women and aboriginal people to enter and complete apprenticeship training.
Career And Employment Development
In 2009-2010 the department is proposing to invest $535,000 to support immigration. This initiative will make it possible for the Northwest Territories to actively participate in the immigration process in support of northern businesses. A proposed Nominee Program will address the concerns of Northwest Territories employers by expediting the processing of permanent residency of those immigrants who bring skills and resources that are lacking in the Northwest Territories economy.
Income Security
The department proposes to further the work on the consolidation of income security programs that began in April 2005. The department has rationalized its income security programs under a common policy framework and introduced a new benefit structure designed to encourage greater self-reliance.
The department is also moving toward the establishment of one-stop community service centres to deliver the range of income security programs. In 2009-2010 the department proposes to add $318,000 to improve service management capacity in the Deh Cho and Sahtu regions.
Concluding Comments
In conclusion, Mr. Chair, the 2009-2010 Main Estimates for Education, Culture and Employment were developed to further both the goals of the Government of the Northwest Territories’ strategic plan and the objectives of the departmental strategic plan.
I would be pleased to answer any question that Members may have at this time. Thank you, Mr. Chair.