This position or project came into play and has been very unique the way it’s been approached by the Children First Society. It has been in the works for the last four or five years now, or even longer before that, with the committee. They’ve initiated their discussion with the community and the leadership got involved.
It’s similar to what we’ve done here in Yellowknife area with Betty House and the dementia centre, just to name a few. We were in a position to make a decision for 90-plus children in a centre and this should be a good-news item for the Northwest Territories, with a contribution of the town council of just over $2 million. Our contribution is just under 20 percent. It is a very unique position to be in and we are investing in our children, as the Member alluded to. That’s always been the case of this government, we need to invest in our children. Yes, it is precedent setting.
I did commit that we will be drafting a policy pertaining to the Early Childhood Development Framework. It is in the works. There will be consultation as well. We were caught in a position where we had to make a decision for one of our communities. We did that. It wasn’t just GNWT money, it was various sectors involved, the leadership of the community of Inuvik and our department as well. I must also commend the committee, the Children First Society, for their tremendous work and dedication. Without their effort, we wouldn’t be sitting here discussing this particular important piece of work. Then again, the policy will be in the works and, yes, it is precedent setting, but we have done that in the past, as well, in other projects, as I’ve just named a few.