Mandate
In its deliberations, committee gave weight to the fact that the system of the board's mandate is modelled after other jurisdictions. The board determines the mandate and submits it to the Minister for approval. The Minister is not allowed to change the content or do anything else concerning the mandate, which is part of the arms-length nature of the relationship between the government and the institution. The mandate will be described in regulations which require Cabinet approval.
In developing the Aurora College Mandate, committee notes that the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and Aurora College considered elements from several jurisdictions. As a starting point, both are looking at the 'strategic mandate agreement' used in Ontario, where each university and college has its own strategic mandate agreement.
Committee recognizes that the requirement for the board's mandate comes from the Post-Secondary Education Act, and that Bill 30 aims to ensure that the mandate is appropriate for Aurora College, both with a focus on preparing the necessary elements for the institution to pass a quality assurance review.
Editorial Changes
Committee proposes two motions to correct spelling. Motions 4 and 6 propose editorial and non-substantive changes.
Recommendations
Committee heard from witnesses concerns about the development of legislation and the engagement process in review of Bill 30. While these issues do not fall within the scope of the review of Bill 30, committee feels strongly that they deserve recommending action.
Process Used To Develop Bill 30
Committee took note of the comment that not involving Indigenous partners in bringing forward Bill 30 is a missed opportunity and may be inconsistent with UNDRIP article 19. Committee recognizes the Northwest Territories Intergovernmental Agreement on Lands and Resources Management which focuses on collaborative legislative development in lands and resources.
Recommendations
Accordingly, the Committee makes the following recommendation.
Recommendation 1
The Standing Committee on Social Development recommends that the Government of the Northwest Territories speak to questions on co-drafting legislation and co-management beyond resource-based legislation, and discuss this concept with the NWT Council of Leaders.
I will now turn it over to the Member for Kam Lake.