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Mr. Speaker, one year ago, Members of this House made the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university a priority of the 19th Legislative Assembly. Today, I would like to provide an update on some of the progress that has been made toward this goal.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) is pleased to announce a new teaching resource has been developed to support the social studies curriculum in schools across the NWT. This resource invites students to embark on an interactive paddling journey from Fort Smith to Tuktoyaktuk, featuring thirty-two stops along the traditional transportation route, each highlighting a riverside community or significant landmark.
Today the Government of the Northwest Territories announced $12.371 million in new funding to support schools with the extra costs incurred as a result of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the total amount, $4.85 million is coming from the Government of Canada.
This joint initiative between the departments of Education, Culture and Employment and Finance will provide funding for:
· technology such as laptops, tablets, and at-home internet access
Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Minister R.J. Simpson met via videoconference with Northwest Territories (NWT) Education Leaders, and the NWT Teachers’ Association (NWTTA) on September 15, 2020 to resume in-depth planning for the school year.
The leaders discussed progress that has been achieved thus far in the school year and planned for further provisions of personal protective equipment and supplies for schools related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) is pleased to be accepting applications for the 2020-2021 Early Childhood Development scholarships. The scholarships valued at $5000 each will be awarded to eligible Northwest Territories (NWT) students attending accredited post-secondary institutions to complete Diploma or Degree programs with a direct focus in Early Learning and Child Care/Early Childhood Development studies during the 2020-2021 academic year.
Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Minister R.J. Simpson met via videoconference with Northwest Territories (NWT) Education Leaders, and the NWT Teachers’ Association (NWTTA) on September 1, 2020 to share information about schools reopening across the Territory. They were joined by NWT Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola and members of her team.
Today the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) released a discussion paper seeking input on four proposed areas of teaching and research specialization for the polytechnic university that will guide transformational decision-making leading up to its launch.
Today the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), R.J. Simpson announced approved new regulations for admission to French First Language schools in the Northwest Territories (NWT).
The new regulations have been developed in consultation with education bodies, including the Commission scolaire francophone des Territoires du Nord-Ouest (CSFTNO), and come into effect immediately for the 2020-21 school year.
The new regulations include:
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) has published an Education Bulletin for the 2020-2021 school year that provides additional information on safety procedures, such as COVID-19 screening processes, wearing masks, and physical distancing, including information on how learning approaches may be required to shift, based on the evolving COVID-19 situation in the Northwest Territories.
Following careful consideration of the recent NWT Supreme Court decision in Commission scolaire francophone, A.B., F.A., T.B., J.J. et E.S. c Ministre de l’Éducation 2020 CSTNO 28, the GNWT has made the decision to appeal.
This is a very important issue that has major implications and affects much more than the parents and children involved or the CSFTNO.
An issue of such importance deserves the attention of the Court of Appeal.
