Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In small communities across the Territories, the schools are a focal point of the community. They are places where the community gathers for feasts, dances, and even weddings. More importantly, they are a place where our youth can learn and get their education. This is why I’m very concerned and the recent letter I received from Karen Kitekudlak, the chairperson of the district education authority of Ulukhaktok, regarding the worsening conditions of Helen Kalvak Elihakvik School.
This school is designed beautifully. The school is a large, self-sufficient facility all under one roof, joining classrooms, recreational section, and an industrial shop. In the letter, Karen describes a serious maintenance problem that should have been resolved years ago. This summer was a perfect time for the repairs and upgrades and projects; however, the staff returned this fall and no work has been done to the school.
The boiler system has not been monitored and set properly, resulting in insufficient boiler circulation in the system. The heater was supposed to be inspected and fixed over the summer, but nothing was done. Now the heater cannot be turned down and in some areas of the school the children are so hot they’re starting to fall asleep, while in other areas of the school it’s so cold that the kids are getting sick.
There are windows all over the school that have been broken for years, that the Department of Public Works and Services has been trying to fix. These windows allow air to come through the windows. At one point two workers from PWS travelled to Ulukhaktok for weeks for nothing, because the windows that are supposed to be replaced did not arrive.
The local contractors wait for months for parts and material, resulting in huge, unacceptable delays for the simplest repair jobs. There are many school authorities in the South that are now turning to other material for windows, such as unbreakable glass. The education of the students is not just providing teachers and books, it is also providing a
safe, comfortable environment for students and teachers and community members to enjoy going to.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.