ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Commitment 1.1.11 – We will develop and foster the knowledge economy by:
Supporting the development and growth of post-secondary institutions and programs available in the NWT.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) is leading the GNWT’s work to implement the Skills 4 Success 10-Year Strategic Framework (S4S) and 4-Year Action Plan 2016-2020 to help develop the skills, knowledge and talents of the people of the NWT. The S4S is an evidence-based initiative about making system wide improvements to adult and post-secondary education and skills training programs to close education and employment gaps in the NWT.

A Foundational Review (Review) of Aurora College is being undertaken (milestone 1). The Review is an important step to help expand opportunities for postsecondary education in the NWT by refocusing support for Aurora College and ensure that the NWT’s public postsecondary education institution keeps pace with the changing dynamics of the labour market.

The Review will make recommendations regarding the governance structure and operations of Aurora College. The Terms of Reference for the Review included an examination of:

• Operations;
• Governance structures;
• Accountability measures;
• Academic program and course selection; and
• Student recruitment and retention.

In the summer of 2018, Aurora College will develop its long term Strategic plan (milestone 3) which will be informed by the Foundational Review and the ECE response to the Foundational Review (milestone 4).

ECE is also developing a legislative proposal for the creation of an overarching legislative framework to oversee postsecondary education in the NWT.

The primary objectives of this new legislation (milestone 2) will be to create a process of recognition that ensures the effective governance and quality assurance of post-secondary institutions and their programs in alignment with national and international best practices. ECE remains committed to presenting a new post-secondary legislative framework and will involve stakeholder feedback, including consultation with Aurora College and other NWT post-secondary institutions. The legislative work will also be informed by the results of the Aurora College Foundational Review.

Together, the interrelated work of the Skills 4 Success Framework (S4S) and Action Plan, the Aurora College Strategic Plan and Foundational Review, and the proposed post-secondary legislative framework will support the development of a strong knowledge economy in the NWT for years to come.

Related Mandate Commitments:

Commitment 1.1.5 - We will get more 18-24 year olds into the labour market by removing barriers to employment, using a better mix of improved educational attainment and skill development, while matching skills with employer needs through improved career development supports.

Commitment 1.1.13 - We will support small communities by enhancing job-creation programs, building community capacity and supporting new economic opportunities by:

• Enhancing the Small Communities Employment Support Program.
• Developing and implementing a strategy to increase employment in small communities that guides the delivery of territorial programming and includes a performance measurement plan.

Commitment 2.3.3 - We will develop legislation that outlines a quality assurance system on the basis of which post-secondary institutions will be recognized/authorized in the NWT.

Commitment 2.5.4 - We will promote and improve student financial assistance to support NWT youth in developing the skills and abilities to meet their potential as well as territorial labour demand.