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.
June 8, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, later today I will table a document that represents a major step toward fulfilling the 17th Legislative Assembly’s priority of building a strong and sustainable future for our Territory by strengthening our relationships with Aboriginal governments.
June 8, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, later today I will table a copy of the 10-year Strategic Plan for the Department of Justice.
Our Department envisions a safe society where the rights and freedoms of residents are protected, and residents have confidence in the justice system. The plan identifies values that will guide us:
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 8, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, we have incredible resource potential in our territory, and with it, significant opportunity for economic growth. But to truly have a diversified economy that provides all communities and regions with opportunities and choices, we need more than just resource development. Today I would like to talk to you about the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy.
June 7, 2012 - Mr. Speaker. The new public housing rent scale is scheduled to be implemented on July 1, 2012. We recognize the changes we are making are significant and there will be an adjustment period for all tenants.
As you know, there have been concerns expressed about the impact of the changes on Seniors who reside without others in the house and often live on fixed income. These Seniors have been paying $0 rent under the old rent scale, but were to pay between $70 - $80 minimum rent using the new rent scale.
June 7, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, Corrections staff are committed to manage offenders in the least restrictive manner possible, provide opportunities for culturally relevant rehabilitation, and be leaders in progressive and holistic healing.
These extremely dedicated staff members work in conditions that are challenging and emotionally draining. They have committed to multiple years of training to make a difference in the workplace and influence the lives of the young people in their charge.
