Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [English translation not provided]. Mr. Speaker, Members, school boards, education authorities, and parents are seeking clarity when it comes to junior kindergarten.

We discussed these matters at length in the House last week. I don't want to tread over the same ground again but, Mr. Speaker, with so much information -- sometimes contradictory information is circulating -- I must briefly highlight three points.

First, the school boards and the education authorities face ongoing funding issues. NWT classrooms deal with higher pupil-teacher ratios than most of Canada even though our territory also has the second highest number of very small schools.

Second, NWT schools see higher rates for special needs accommodation. This kind of important educational work is covered under the NWT Ministerial Directive on Inclusive Schooling. This work needs inclusive schooling dollars, yet inclusive schooling dollars are not part of the department's plan for funding junior kindergarten.

That brings me to my third point. While the department has said it will fully fund junior kindergarten, it's not clear how or if this funding will account for inclusive schooling or Aboriginal language and culture instruction, among other things. I've also heard from residents concerned that cuts will be made to the education system up to $800,000. I understand too that the $500,000 found internally came from the education renewal initiative; that is, it's a further reduction to the K to 12 system. That's on top of the department's decision to fund non-teaching positions at mid-point instead of actual salaries.

As we heard in the House last week, school boards are approaching their budget deadlines. We are pleased to hear the department's final decision to fully fund junior kindergarten but, Mr. Speaker, the devil is in the details and we need to sort those out. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.