Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And since we began the Early Learning and Childcare Infrastructure Fund, we prioritized applications from small communities. It's important to note that not all small communities need childcare facilities. In some communities, there's no children under the age of five. And in some communities, there's so few children that they would prefer to be with family. So I don't think we're ever going to have a scenario in the territory where every single community has a licensed childcare centre. There's going to be different options in different communities. But we are supporting -- we are prioritizing those small communities that don't have childcare and we're going to work with the Indigenous governments and NGOs who might be interested in operating childcare facilities. And I have to note that Indigenous governments also have a separate stream of funding from the federal government that they can access to help support the development of childcare facilities. And so we all need to work together and if there is not an organization in a region who's interested in opening a childcare centre, we're more than happy to provide any support we can through our early learning and childcare consultants that we have in all the regions and who do a great job. And they are our boots on the ground. And I recommend that anyone who has an interest in opening a childcare centre, contact them. Thank you.
R.J. Simpson on Question 980-19(2): Canada-Northwest Territories Childcare Agreement
In the Legislative Assembly on March 4th, 2022. See this statement in context.
Question 980-19(2): Canada-Northwest Territories Childcare Agreement
Oral Questions
March 4th, 2022
Page 3758
See context to find out what was said next.