Mr. Speaker, our government is in the final stages of entering into a Memorandum of Agreement with our federal counterparts that will see Northerners servicing RCMP assets in the Northwest Territories.

In the past, the federal government’s southern contractor arranged services for the operations, maintenance and minor renovation of RCMP houses, detachments and other assets. There are 112 RCMP facilities in 24 communities. With the contract due for renewal, we saw the opportunity for a more economical alternative.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to speak on the topic of child and family services. The 16^th Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Social Programs undertook a comprehensive review of the Child and Family Services Act, highlighting the importance of this area and the need for fundamental change in how we do business.

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.

Good evening everyone, tonight we are celebrating the success of our Hay River business community – a community that sees challenges as opportunities and creatively and willingly responds to change. These strengths are the key to a successful business. Ladies and gentleman, this event is always one of my favourites and I'm happy to have a chance to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship here with you this evening.

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.