Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating the recipients of the 2012 Premier’s Awards. The Premier’s Awards for Excellence and the Premier’s Collaboration Award are presented annually to individuals and teams for their outstanding service to the Government of the Northwest Territories. As well, I am pleased to confirm the second Dave Ramsden Career Achievement Award was presented.
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 discovery of diamonds at Lac De Gras in 1991 marked the beginning of a new economic era for the Northwest Territories. Since then, the mining industry has become the backbone of our economy, creating over 2,600 direct jobs and an annual economic impact of over $750 million. However, we have not had a comprehensive plan in place to ensure we make the most of our mineral resources. Today I would like to talk to you about this government’s plan to create a mineral development strategy.
June 12, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is committed to continually improving our education systems, including curricula.
June 12, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, June 10 to 16, 2012 has been designated National Public Service Week. This week provides the opportunity for Canadians to celebrate the work, accomplishments and contributions of public service employees. This year’s theme is “Celebrating our Commitments!”
June 12, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time today I will table our action plan, “A Shared Path Towards Wellness - Mental Health and Addictions, 2012 – 2015.”
June 11, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the work the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is doing in the Northwest Territories and across Canada is a critical step in the healing process for people suffering from the abuse and trauma of residential schools. Our government is working with them to support our people and our communities.
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 11, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
We all need to take a moment and say thank you to those Elders who have taught us, supported us and provided the wisdom that has guided our lives.
Many of us in this House owe a debt of gratitude to the Elders in our communities that have helped guide us in our careers.
June 11, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise today to express my support and appreciation for the great work accomplished by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
This initiative has been no small task. The Commission visited our communities, set up supports, and provided a forum to allow our survivors to share their pain and begin to heal. This is a significant accomplishment.
