Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm here today to present Bill 81, An Act to Amend the Education Act, No. 2.
Bill 81 represents the first phase of amendments that make operational and technical improvements necessary to improve the education system. A second phase will continue beyond the 19th Assembly to allow for more in-depth discussions with Indigenous governments, education bodies and the public on the future of education governance in the Northwest Territories.
This bill seeks to amend the Education Act to recognize the vital role Indigenous peoples and Indigenous governments have in education; eliminate confusion about roles and responsibilities of the Minister and education bodies; protect parental involvement in decisions around student grade placement and education program modifications; and support information sharing and accountability. These amendments also help to address the findings and recommendations of internal evaluations and reports of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.
Bill 81 was informed by the extensive public engagement that occurred in 2021, as well as detailed engagement sessions with education bodies throughout the development the bill.
I wish to thank standing committee for its thoughtful review and collaboration in helping to strengthen this bill through their motions to amend. I wasn't quite sure we'd get here, but here we are, so thank you to standing committee. This concludes my opening remarks. I'd be pleased to answer any questions that Members may have. Thank you.