Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland says she is reviewing the final report into the Dehcho Education bodies before deciding how it could be made public. The minister said she agrees with the findings of the report “in principle” but does not plan to act “unilaterally” on them.
“It is important that we take the next steps together and determine how to move forward collectively,” said Minister Cleveland.
In an announcement issued on Friday, Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland said the significant concerns heard came from a number of stakeholders – from parents to community members, educators and education partners on issues of governance, workplace culture and communication.
“Over the past several months, the Government of the Northwest Territories has heard serious concerns from parents, educators, community members, and education partners in the Dehcho about governance, workplace culture, communication, and the impacts these issues have had on students, families, and staff,” said Minister Cleveland.
While the concerns and findings of the investigation are acknowledged as valid, the final report is not being made public at this time for reasons also protect confidentiality, said the minister.
“The privacy of those who shared their experiences will be protected. I will carefully review the report and determine how its findings can be shared publicly in a way that maintains confidentiality while meeting the public’s expectation for transparency and accountability.”
Minister Cleveland said she does not plan to enact the recommendations because “collaborative work” is required to do so.
“While I will be taking the time needed to carefully review and analyze the report in full, at a high level I can confirm that I agree with the recommendations in principle. However, the recommendations in this report are not directed solely at the Minister. They involve shared responsibilities, and out of respect for education partners and the collaborative work required to address these issues, I will not be advancing recommendations or responses unilaterally. It is important that we take the next steps together and determine how to move forward collectively,” said Minister Cleveland.
The minister acknowledged the work of Jane Arychuk, who is a long-time northern educator involved in responding to the findings of the interim report. Arychuk will be working with the minister and education partners in the next phase of the process to address the issues identified in the final report.
According to the announcement, the minister said a public update is scheduled for sometime early next year.
“I know many residents are eager to see progress, and I share that sense of urgency. My overarching goal is the education of children, while supporting the region to heal from this situation, address what needs to be addressed, and move forward together in a way that restores trust and keeps students at the centre of everything we do. I look forward to taking swift action where appropriate and to providing a comprehensive public update early in the new year,” said Minister Cleveland.
North Now has reached out for more information and will share more details when they become available.
