Caitlin Cleveland: Update on Community Learning Centres

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, in January 2025 Aurora College announced its plans to close Community Learning Centres as part of its efforts to resolve low enrolment and adjust the way academic upgrading is delivered. Following that news, I heard loud and clear from Indigenous governments, communities, non-profit organizations and my colleagues in this House, that hands-on community-based learning is essential. I want to express my gratitude to all those who brought forward their concerns and their visions for the future of these centres, and for community-based education more broadly.

Mr. Speaker, Aurora College is implementing a modernized approach to the delivery of Adult Learning and Basic Education through campuses and online, including hiring instructors and technical support staff to facilitate and support distance learning across all communities. The approach will focus on flexibility, engagement and support while using technology to create effective learning environments.

While the Aurora College Board of Governors is responsible for the operational decisions of the College, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is responsible for providing residents with access to quality programs and supports that enhance education and employment opportunities. The Department will continue to deliver high school equivalency tests, now called the Canadian Adult Education Credential, which can help open new doors to employment, advance careers and support access to other learning or training opportunities, including apprenticeships.

In addition, the department is building on past employment readiness successes. Over a two-year period, which concluded in 2024, the department provided funding to the NWT Literacy Council to help fund employment readiness programs. This training included four-weeks of classroom-style programming followed by a two-week supported employment model.  Learners were supported with a training allowance, childcare funding, and wrap around supports like transportation, counselling and clothing needed for jobs.

This training was delivered in Behchokǫ̀, Gamètı̀, Wekweetı̀, Whatı̀, Fort Simpson, Aklavik and Fort McPherson, and 75% of participants either gained employment or went on to further education. This program was a clear success, and the department is working closely with the NWT Literacy Council to discuss future community deliveries. I look forward to keeping Members updated on that work.

Mr. Speaker, later this year we will begin to receive data resulting from the Post-Secondary Education Accountability Framework. The Framework gives post-secondary institutions direction on what must be reported each year and supports the monitoring and evaluation of our post-secondary education system. This will increase our understanding of the types of programs our residents are accessing, including those learners accessing Adult Literacy and Basic Education through Aurora College campuses or online.

Mr. Speaker, every community is unique, and their needs, objectives and plans are distinct. Similarly, each facility that has been used as a Community Learning Centre is unique: some are standalone buildings, while others access space through sharing agreements with other facilities. Each of these factors add complexity and nuance to the equation, but it also gives us an incredible opportunity to collaborate with Indigenous governments and community partners on their future use.

Last session, I made a commitment to engage Indigenous governments and communities on the future of Community Learning Centre facilities and I am pleased to share that engagement is underway. We have reached out to partners, including Indigenous and local community governments, and offered one-on-one discussions centred specifically around the facilities in their communities and focused on their needs. I have also heard from partners who have a direct interest in seeing these facilities continue to deliver programs and services that support adult learners.

In addition, a commitment was made to develop a critical path and timeline toward ensuring residents have access to quality programs that enhance education and employment opportunities going forward. Building from the steps I have highlighted, I look forward to sharing further details with my colleagues prior to the end of this sitting.

Mr. Speaker, alongside the steps Aurora College has taken to extend the reach of Adult Literacy and Basic Education, I see this as an opportunity to ensure the vision and voice of communities are captured as we reshape the way adult learning is delivered in the NWT. I applaud all the Northerners who are pursuing adult education, literacy and skill building, and I want to provide reassurance that the GNWT is working hard to remove barriers and improve access to education for all.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.