YELLOWKNIFE (June 26, 2012) – Jane Arychuk has been appointed Interim President of Aurora College while the College continues the competitive hiring process.

Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, made the three-month appointment in consultation with the Aurora College Board of Governors. It is effective July 3, 2012.

“We are pleased to announce that Ms. Arychuk has accepted the position,” said Minister Lafferty.  “She brings a strong background and professional experience in education.”

YELLOWKNIFE (June 19, 2012) -- Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Jackson Lafferty reaffirmed the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) commitment to inclusive schooling and early childhood development today.

As part of the Legislative Assembly’s review and approval of the 2012-13 Main Estimates, the GNWT has agreed to reallocate $1 million to early childhood development.  This new investment in early childhood development is being funded through a reallocation from funds previously allocated to inclusive schooling.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 18, 2012) – In partnership with the 30 members of the No Place for Poverty Coalition, the GNWT has formed an Antipoverty Steering Committee to lead in the development of a Northwest Territories antipoverty strategy.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 14, 2012) -- Sarah Wright Cardinal has resigned from the position of President of Aurora College, effective June 13, 2012.  Hired in August 2009, Ms. Wright Cardinal has decided to pursue studies towards a Doctoral degree.

“I would like to thank Ms. Wright Cardinal for her contribution to the College and wish her all the best as she continues her personal pursuit of higher education,” said Jackson Lafferty, Minister responsible for Aurora College.

June 13, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment wishes to congratulate all the graduates from high schools, Aurora College and apprenticeship programs.

Aurora College saw 140 graduates this spring – 43 from Thebacha Campus, 53 from the North Slave Campus and 44 from the Aurora Campus.  Graduates received certificates, diplomas and degrees in programs like Environment and Natural Resource Technology, Education, Nursing, Business Administration and Social Work.

June 12, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is committed to continually improving our education systems, including curricula.

June 11, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is committed to improving educational outcomes for all students of the Northwest Territories. We have developed new curricula that will be introduced in the Fall.

As part of our efforts to develop culturally appropriate and engaging learning opportunities for our students, Northern Studies 10 includes a new focus on the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. Optional implementation of the new course will begin with the 2012-13 school year and become mandatory in 2013-14.

June 8, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, on May 13-16, 2012, 17 youth from the Northwest Territories participated in the National Skills competition in Edmonton, Alberta.  There were 500 competitors from across Canada at the competition, with a team from every province and territory.

There were about 40 contests at this event, and our team competed in Auto Service, Carpentry and Industrial Mechanics, Cooking, Plumbing, Electrical Wiring, Welding, TV and Video Production, and Graphic Design.

June 5, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, our languages make us who we are as individuals and as a society.  Today I would like to talk about service improvements and revitalization efforts for the Northwest Territories official languages.

Recently we concluded the consultation phase of the French Languages Plan.  The Fédération Franco-ténoise is reviewing it and we hope to share it with Members of this Assembly very soon. 

May 29, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to advise this House that a ceremony was held today to celebrate the tremendous contributions that people across this territory have made to education.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment launched the Education Hall of Fame to recognize that we all play an important role in supporting the education of our children.  It reflects the valuable contributions that educators, volunteers, board members, administrators and other community members make.