Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think we could have a good discussion about utilization rates here in Yellowknife, where the utilization rates vary from school to school across the community. When we look at our utilization rates, we do assess them by community, and unfortunately here in Yellowknife we do see some schools that have some high utilization rates.

I can let the Member know that there was a review conducted at the schools in May and June with the staff from my department as well as the respective education districts. They walked through the schools, looked at spaces and what the spaces were being used for compared to what they were actually designed for. In some cases, spaces that were originally identified as classroom space were actually repurposed for things such as resource rooms, storage for school supplies, or even staff rooms.

We have a consultant that we did retain to prepare a space analysis and will provide recommendations to address space utilization here in Yellowknife. We are asking that YCS, too, wait until this review is completed so we can identify those capital requirements that will address space concerns and adequacy of schools for Yellowknife district education authorities.