Yes, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I am pleased to present the 2012-13 main estimates for the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.
The work of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is guided by the department’s strategic plan and the priorities of the 17th Assembly. Our vision is one of northern people leading fulfilled lives and contributing to a strong and prosperous society.
The proposed 2012-13 main estimates for Education, Culture and Employment total $289.107 million. This is an increase of 1 percent over the previous year’s main estimates.
Education and Culture
Culture and Heritage
Arts and culture provide Northerners with a foundation for learning and growth and provide us with a strong base on which to build our future. Culture and heritage activities also serve to strengthen and diversify the economy.
In 2012-13 we plan to spend over $6.5 million on culture and heritage programs and services. The budget includes a one-time $520,000 increase to complete repairs to fire damaged sections of the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.
Official Languages
To speak one’s own language provides a sense of identity and belonging. Language activities assist communities to promote and revitalize their culture and language, and in doing so contribute to the community’s economy and well-being.
The department continues to implement the NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan. In 2011-12 the department organized a successful Aboriginal languages symposium which resulted in the development of the plan, and offered two language institute sessions. The department also worked with language communities on a wide variety of activities. The first phase of our consultation on a French Language Strategic Plan is now complete, and in 2012-13 an additional $150,000 is budgeted to provide for the full year cost of the new administrative structure established in 2011-12 for the delivery of French language services.
In 2012-13 the department plans to spend close to $7.5 million on official language programs and services. The government will be considering options for the establishment of an Aboriginal languages secretariat to deliver a broad range of Aboriginal language and cultural activities in the near future.
Amendments to the Official Languages Act to eliminate the Official Languages Board will be proposed. As well, the South Slavey language will be renamed in accordance with the wishes of the Dehcho First Nation. The department will also work with the Executive to review demands on community-based government service centres in order to match service with demand and will continue to work closely with language communities towards their goals and priorities.
Early Childhood Development
Early childhood development programs help children to grow up healthy and ready to learn, reducing the burden on the health, education and justice systems, and help parents to become or stay employed, increasing economic opportunities for many northern families.
In May 2012, ECE, along with the Department of Health and Social Services, met with early childhood providers and stakeholders to obtain their views on the development of child and family resource centres. The results of this consultation and other research are being used to develop an action plan to support pilot programs in two communities in 2012-13, and to use this experience to expand support for centres in other NWT communities. Data from the recently introduced Early Development Instrument will be available to inform the work as the plan is implemented.
In 2012-13 child care benefits under income assistance will be increased and an Early Childhood Action Plan will be finalized. Planned changes to improve the monitoring and inspection
of child daycare facilities will be completed. In addition, ECE and the Department of Health and Social Services will renew the Early Childhood Development Framework for Action, a directional GNWT document on early childhood development.
In 2012-13 the department plans to spend $7.3 million on early childhood development programs.
School and Library System
Ensuring the success of all students of our kindergarten to Grade 12 education system is the cornerstone of building a strong and sustainable future for our territory.
Education, Culture and Employment, in partnership with education authorities, is taking action to improve student achievement, performance and graduation rates under the Aboriginal Student Achievement Initiative. Current actions include a new mandatory cultural orientation for teachers, the operation of new community libraries, the hiring of regional literacy coordinators to work with classroom teachers, and the consultations and partnership with Aboriginal leaders under the ASA Education Partnership Declaration signed in 2011 and endorsed by AFN National Grand Chief Mr. Shawn Atleo in 2012.
Madam Chair, in 2012-2013 the department will launch a new kindergarten curriculum, work with education authorities on school plans to improve and report on student achievement, and complete a review of the Aboriginal Language and Culture-based Education Directive. PowerSchool, a new K-12 student information system, will be introduced to schools and parents in the fall of 2012.
In addition, work is underway to develop an Aboriginal Student Achievement implementation and communication plan based on the ASA education plan compiled after extensive community consultation. Plans will examine existing programs and outline further actions to address the four ASA priorities, with a focus on early childhood development. Regular communication will continue with Aboriginal and education leadership in the regions.
In 2012-13 this government will spend over $171 million on school and library programs. Close to $153 million of this amount will be contributed to education authorities for the delivery of K to 12 education.
Advanced Education and Careers
Post-secondary training and employment programs help adults in the NWT acquire skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to access social and economic opportunities and to contribute to build a strong future for our territory.
The NWT Labour Force Development Framework: People, Partnerships and Possibilities, will guide the work of the department and its training partners
in 2012-13. The department will partner with stakeholders to assist Aurora College with aspects of the Adult and Basic Education, or ALBE, Strategy funded by the federal government. Recommendations from the ALBE review will be incorporated into this and other work to improve ALBE programs.
In addition, the department will work with regional training committees to improve supports for those in small communities through the Small Communities Employment Support and other government programs and will work on an accountability framework for the education and training for adults. As well, a new web-based apprenticeship system will be completed.
In 2012-13 the department plans to spend over $46 million on the Advanced Education and Employment Program.
Income Security
Income security programs exist to assist people to meet basic needs and achieve greater self-reliance at a time when they are most vulnerable.
In 2012-13 the department will continue to promote client participation in productive choices and to refer clients to regional ECE careers services, with a view to investing in client’s independent futures. The department is also participating in developing the GNWT Anti-Poverty Strategy and working on an action plan in response to the recommendations from the Student Financial Assistance Program review.
In 2012-13 the department plans to spend close to $40 million on income security programs. This includes an $817,000 increase for income assistance payments and a $160,000 increase for the administration of social assistance appeal committees.
Concluding Comments
The job of the department is to support residents in reaching their education, training and employment goals and in making positive choices for themselves and their family. In this way, residents are encouraged to be as self-reliant as possible and to develop a strong identity based on their culture and heritage. Determining the levels of support that help Northerners meet their needs is a challenge that requires constant review.
Based on this Assembly’s vision and goals, we believe we are making the best investments, for the most people, within our fiscal reality.
I would be pleased to answer any questions that Members may have at this time. Mahsi, Madam Chair.