Cuts to Aurora teacher, social worker programs spark criticism

The proposed cutting of programs for locally-educated teachers and social workers in the Northwest Territories has garnered criticism, reports CBC. The NWT government has announced a proposed $1.9M reduction in funding to Aurora College, which will reportedly result in the cutting of the college’s four-year bachelor of education program and two-year social worker program. “We're not going to let this happen. We're already taking action to see what we can do to get this changed,” says first-year education program student Justina Black. NWT Education Minister Alfred Moses said that the programs are being cut because of low enrolment and completion rates in both programs. There are currently 29 students in the bachelor of education program and 30 students in the social worker program. CBC reports that students already enrolled in the programs will have the opportunity to finish their degree or diploma. CBC