Jane Groenewegen

Thank you. Does committee agree that Bill 1, Tlicho Statutes Amendment Act, is ready for third reading?

---Bill 1 as a whole approved for third reading

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to ask the Minister if part of their consideration of what the college offers now, and what they could offer, would include, perhaps, travelling to or getting into communication with other post-secondary institutions that we do know already offer specialized programming for students with special needs.

If you could now please return to the front of the bill, Bill 1, Tlicho Statutes Amendment Act. Clause 1.

---Clauses 1 through 3 inclusive approved

So just to be clear for people who will be listening to this, when will the improved, enhanced student financial assistance for students with disabilities go into effect? When can people become eligible for that?

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. I’ll take that as a comment. General comments. If there are no further general comments, we’ll go into clause-by-clause review of the bill. If you can stand down the actual clauses, please, and go to the schedules, page 4, Schedule A, Amendments to the Tlicho Community Government Act. Agreed?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Education is in the process of improving student financial assistance. That is a good thing. I have not heard anything about improving support for students with disabilities. These students, especially those with learning disabilities, cannot compete with high school graduates to get into many colleges or universities. Students with disabilities often have to attend specialized schools that are oriented toward developing their specific gift, art, carving, writing, whatever it may be. Tuition fees are usually higher than they would be at other schools...

Thank you, Minister McLeod. General comments? Mr. Yakeleya.

Thank you, Minister McLeod. General comments on the bill? Mr. Hawkins.

Thank you, Minister Ramsay. I’m going to have to probably get someone to come here and take the chair. Sorry. Then we’ll go to general comments.

Thank you, Minister McLeod. Does committee agree?