Thank you, Mr. Chair. I clearly agree with the previous speakers with regard to the concerns they are raising. Our territory is clearly young and it has a growing population. Many of our residents, as we know, live in isolated communities where economic opportunity is often hard to come by, and it’s our job as a government to remove as many obstacles to advancement as we can. Our government, as we know through the priority-setting process, is setting goals pertaining to education, pertaining to trades and apprenticeships, careers, business development -- all in the name of economic growth. If our territory is to achieve these goals, young families must have childcare that they can rely on. Universal childcare is a model that has been embraced by some of the most advanced societies, as we know, around the world. We should demonstrate that we have the will and the insight to follow that lead. Childcare must not only be reliable but, of course, affordable. It helps no one to have a childcare system that consumes the family budget. Without it, all manner of economic opportunity remains difficult and in some degree may even be unachievable. Lastly, the people who provide childcare must be able to make ends meet. If we are to trust them with the safety and care of our children, then in turn they must be able to be financially secure. I will be in support. Thank you.
Cory Vanthuyne on Committee Motion 15-18(2): Tabled Document 1-18(2): Proposed Mandate Of The Government Of The Northwest Territories, 2016-2019, Replacement Of Text Regarding Universal Day Care, Carried
In the Legislative Assembly on February 24th, 2016. See this statement in context.
Committee Motion 15-18(2): Tabled Document 1-18(2): Proposed Mandate Of The Government Of The Northwest Territories, 2016-2019, Replacement Of Text Regarding Universal Day Care, Carried
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters
February 24th, 2016
See context to find out what was said next.