Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment wishes to recognize the dedication and service of the educators who have contributed to the well-being, support and education of our students.

The Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association was founded 60 years ago, with just 60 teachers, including those from the Western and Eastern Arctic, eventually becoming a member of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation. As we proudly recognize this anniversary, the NWTTA now represents more than 800 teachers in 49 schools, demonstrating tremendous growth in the territory.

Mr. Speaker, later today at the appropriate time, I will table Northern Lands, Northern Leadership: The Government of the Northwest Territories Land Use and Sustainability Framework. Completion of this document is a significant achievement and a major step in this government’s final preparations to assume new responsibilities for public lands, water and resources on April 1^st.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is working with our Aboriginal government partners on a new approach to strengthen Aboriginal languages.

As you know, this Government has sponsored two Aboriginal Languages Symposia. We meet regularly with Aboriginal leaders and their delegates. We have excellent on-going relationships with language coordinators and Elders. We have heard from all of them that Aboriginal governments and their language communities are best placed to deliver programs aimed at revitalizing their languages.

Mr. Speaker, concluding land, resources and self-government agreements is an essential element of the political evolution of the Northwest Territories and the foundation for our future economic and political stability.

Mr. Speaker, Junior Kindergarten for 4 year olds is recognized across the country as one of the best ways to provide quality, free and optional care for our children. Junior Kindergarten is especially beneficial for parents and caregivers in 10 of our smallest communities, where no licensed childcare exists. Junior Kindergarten will provide young children with a hands-on play-based program offered in our schools to support their development and learning.

Mr. Speaker, the development of the NWT Economic Opportunities Strategy was an important step in setting the stage for the pending devolution of responsibilities for lands and resources to the GNWT. It is through its implementation, in part that the benefits of our new authorities can be realized in the form of jobs and business opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, earlier today the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and I signed a Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities. Under this agreement, the Government of Canada will provide up to $1.25 Million in federal funding each year for four years to the Government of the Northwest Territories to improve employment prospects for Canadians with disabilities and better meet the needs of Canadian businesses.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social services is committed to publicly reporting on the performance of the health and social services system and our progress towards achieving the Legislative Assembly’s goal of an effective and efficient Government.

The Department of Health and Social Services uses a number of different reports to ensure we are accountable to this Assembly and to the residents of the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, with its guaranteed advances, prime fur bonus and grubstake, the GNWT’s Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program is the envy of the Canadian trapping industry. The returns of this small but dynamic, made-in-the-NWT program to our trapping industry continue to impress.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Ms. Simone Gessler, Principal of Weledeh Catholic School in Yellowknife, on being recognized as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2014.

The Learning Partnership recently announced Ms. Gessler as one of 40 exceptional educators from across Canada. Through her leadership at Weledeh Catholic School since 2010, literacy rates have improved substantially, with 100% of students now demonstrating significant improvements in reading, sense of confidence and self-efficacy, and 70% are reading at or above grade level.