Elected education leaders from across the Northwest Territories met this week for the first time with R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, to discuss their joint work to further strengthen the territory’s Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is introducing amendments to the NWT Employment Standards Act and Regulations that provide new and enhanced types of employment leave and will be effective as of January 01, 2020.
These Amendments align with the Government of Canada’s amendments to the Employment Insurance program and the Canada Labour Code, and let workers take advantage of the federal leave allowances and associated benefits while providing recognized and consistent guidelines for employers to better support their employees during important life events.
Mr. Speaker, our greatest Northern resource is our people and it is our responsibility to invest in and take steps to ensure their health and well-being.
On January 1, 2020, Northwest Territories residents will be able to access new and enhanced types of employment leave to protect their jobs when faced with important or challenging moments in life.
Mr. Speaker, The transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university is a priority of this Legislative Assembly and I am pleased to say that we continue to make progress.
To be successful, we must focus investments in programs and services that lead to better education and employment outcomes for residents, including through our post-secondary education system.
R. J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, addressed the inaugural meeting of the Aurora College Transformation Academic Advisory Council (Academic Advisory Council) earlier today. The Academic Advisory Council was created to support and advise the Associate Deputy Minister of Post-Secondary Education Renewal during the transformation of Aurora College to a polytechnic university.
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Good evening.
It’s a pleasure to be here this evening at the Dominion Diamond Blue Collar Gala to celebrate trades professionals in our territory and support Skills Canada NWT.
I am also pleased that I have the opportunity to speak to you this evening on behalf of the Premier of Northwest Territories, Caroline Cochrane.
Mr. Speaker, this Government is committed to ensuring that the people of the Northwest Territories have access to a wealth of high-quality post-secondary education opportunities. Educated citizens are critical to a healthy northern society and a strong and prosperous economy. Our Government is acting on the 18th Assembly’s Mandate priorities to expand opportunities for post-secondary education, trades-oriented learning and northern educational institutions and to foster the knowledge economy.
Caroline Cochrane, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), today released the Post-Secondary Education Strategic Framework (“the Framework”). The Framework includes a vision and a set of goals for the post-secondary education system in the Northwest Territories (NWT).
Mr. Speaker, the early years, from birth to age five, are among the most critical for a child’s development. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment recognizes the need to support safe and high-quality early learning environments for children to grow into healthy adults and fulfill their potential as capable people.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is responsible for ensuring that Income Security programs respond to the needs and realities of residents. I am proud of how this government has increased its financial support to those in greatest need.
