Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Today I wish to speak about the students at Aurora College and the support they get from the Government of the Northwest Territories. Our students are our future and this government must do all it can to support the students. The success of the students is essential. Many of the students are mature students and have costs associated with family and children.
Currently, a family of three that needs child care services to attend school receives about $1,700 to $1,900 per month, if supported by Aboriginal organizations through the ASETS program. However, in order for these students to get child care subsidies from the government, they must make under $1,500 per month. I’m not 100 percent sure on all of the amounts, but it takes very little income to make students ineligible for the child care subsidy.
There is a situation where constituents of mine are going to school in Fort Smith at the Thebacha Campus. They receive $1,900 a month and the department considers the total needs of only $1,500, and they, therefore, are not eligible to receive a child care subsidy. At $1,900 a month they are considered to have a budget surplus. A budget surplus. These constituents, like many other students, have to attend the food bank every two weeks because they do not make enough money to feed their families and themselves.
It is difficult financially for students to go back to school, especially with children. Total needs have to be taken into consideration, especially if child care costs are involved. Something is wrong if a student has to struggle to get a child care subsidy and if they have no choice but to go to a food bank every couple of weeks to feed their family. The bottom line is that this government must do what they can to support the students. Remember, most of these students do not get any financial support from their parents.
Thank you, Mr. Beaulieu. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.
