Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm here today to present Bill 30, an Act to Amend the Aurora College Act. I want to thank the Standing Committee on Social Development for their interest in and review of this bill.
This bill will result in an arm's length governance system that supports an effective, efficient, and sustainable Aurora College positioned to continuously identify and respond to the needs of northern residents, Indigenous governments, partners, and stakeholders. It will also set the stage for further legislative change in 2024 to create the polytechnic university.
The creation of a polytechnic university is a priority of the 19th Legislative Assembly and the Government of the Northwest Territories mandate commits to transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university in six years, including meeting a quality assurance review by fall 2023. In order to meet this commitment, timely amendments of the Aurora College Act are required to establish a new system of governance that meets national standards and best practices.
Proposed amendments to the Aurora College Act before us are critical to the transformation process, and I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with standing committee during their review of the bill. I believe we worked together in the true spirit of consensus government.
I would also like to acknowledge the considerable input that has been provided by Indigenous governments, partners, stakeholders, and members of the public through the development of this bill.
The establishment of a tricameral model of governance and a competency-based board of governors will better position the college to identify and respond to the needs of northern residents. The establishment of an Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council, as part of the tricameral model, will ensure the NWT is a leader in incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, into a public institution that reflects the people it serves, including a largely Indigenous student population and a range of Indigenous research partners.
To be recognized as a university in the NWT, Aurora College will follow a process required under the Post-secondary Education Act, beginning with meeting the requirements of an external quality assurance review. Amendments to the governance system proposed in Bill 30 will meet the necessary quality assurance standards and best practices in post-secondary education governance needed for the external review.
That concludes my opening remarks, and I'd be happy to answer any questions that Members might have on this bill. And, Madam Chair, I have witnesses I would like to bring into the Chamber. Thank you.