Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a couple of brief comments. I know we have a long way to go here for the education system. Some things I would like to see in the future budgets are proper facilities
for extra curriculum; for example, automotive shops in our smaller communities. I was very surprised, as I mentioned last year, we are building a multi-million dollar school in Inuvik, yet we didn’t include a facility or a portion that had an automotive shop in there. I know they do have a small engine shop that’s nearby, but times have changed and we need to offer these programs to get our students encouraged in different fields.
Also we had the opportunity this spring, when we were touring with the Wildlife Act, to visit Nahanni Butte. I was really surprised. I thought it was an office building that was their school. A small building that had I’m not sure how many students in there. I just briefly went in to say hi and give them some Tim Horton’s. We need to upgrade our facilities.
I feel very fortunate that in the riding I represent we have three schools and one is near being replaced even though it’s not on the wish list. I just wanted to make those brief comments. I think they need to start planning ahead here and offer a lot of courses that are really lacking in our schools right now. Thank you, Mr. Chair.