Jeff Colbourne
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 27/98) - On Monday Hay River MLA Jane Groenewegen asked that the topic of the state of education in the NWT be moved into committee of the whole for debate.

She wanted an opportunity for the committee to discuss concerns they had with lack of funds for schooling across the North.

"We must have some responsibility to ensure a certain level of education for all students," Groenewegen said to the committee.

Not just those who thrive and do well but those who also have special needs and special challenges, she added.

It's time to face up to the fact that there is a challenge ahead and the system is under a tremendous strain to meet the demands of education, said Groenewegen.

Thebacha MLA Michael Miltenberger said education has always been an issue for the government.

The GNWT spends 25 per cent of its budget each year on education or about $300 million. If new money is to be put into education, Miltenberger wants to make sure it's put in the right places.

Iqaluit MLA Ed Picco said that if the government can find extra money to do a $750,000 Med-Emerge Report, find $50 million to buy rough diamonds and $40 million for pay equity it should be able to find extra dollars for education.