Mr. Speaker, the closure of our community learning centres has left a significant gap in accessible education support across our communities. It is time we work toward re-establishing these essential spaces, this time in partnership with other institutions and under a more supportive and encouraging name - continuing transitional education.
Adult education remains critical in our small communities where graduation rates continue to lag behind the rest of the Northwest Territories. The most recent six-year graduation statistics for 2024 highlight an ongoing and deeply concerning trend. The Government of the Northwest Territories reports that Yellowknife continues to lead with a 71 percent graduation rate, while regional centres such as Inuvik, Hay River and Fort Smith sit at 58 percent. Meanwhile, small communities remain the lowest at just 44 percent, a pattern that has persisted for over a decade.
These disparities illustrate what many Northerners already know. While regional centres are seeing far more graduates, many of our smaller communities continue to face systemic disadvantages. In addition, there seems to be considerable hesitancy among adults about returning to school, and much of that stems from stigma. The word upgrading can feel discouraging or even embarrassing for those who did not complete high school.
Renaming the adult literacy and basic education or upgrading program to continuing transitional education provides a more positive, forward-looking pathway; one that emphasizes growth, dignity and opportunity, rather than past barriers.
Mr. Speaker, too many of our people continue to live in poverty and rates of addictions remain high. Expanding access to continuing education, paired with appropriate mental health supports, can help shift individuals from dependency towards self-reliance. At the end of the day, young people and adults still need accessible avenues to build their skills, pursue careers and improve their lives. I will have questions for the Minister at the appropriate time. Thank you.