Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’m going to tell the story of a 31-year-old woman who saw the doors of opportunity open for her, only to see this government try to slam them shut. She’s struggling to get through them and realize her dream of getting a degree in nursing and then go on to medical school to become a doctor.
She began with the Nursing Access Program at Aurora College because she needed upgrading as a mature student. She is the mother of four children between the ages of six and 14 and she’s not rich, at least not financially. She’s a tenant in a Yellowknife Housing Authority unit. Luckily, she was eligible for SFA. Everything seemed to be working out. She’s a Northerner through and through, born and raised in Yellowknife, and a generous volunteer. She participates in the Foot Washing Program at the Salvation Army.
Busy as she is, she finished year one at the top of her class and she’s headed for a degree in nursing. When she graduates, she plans to serve here in the Northwest Territories. Her resolve and dedication to achieve her goal is really remarkable. I know everybody here would cheer her on if they could, Mr. Speaker, and I wish I didn’t have to tell you the other half of the story.
Last week the SFA caseworker called to warn her that her funding would run out after this year. Why, Mr. Speaker? Because she will hit the $60,000 cap on financial assistance. Even this year she is facing a smaller living allowance that has been cut from $1,550 a month down to $1,040. Please don’t forget she has four kids to feed, Mr. Speaker. In fact, it’s because she has four kids that her living allowance pushed her more quickly than most students towards that cap that we have on SFA assistance.
She has been told to seek out other funding. She has been told to get a summer job. Mr. Speaker, that summer job would certainly have to pay her well to cover her daycare and summer camp costs, let alone give her any money for school this fall.
Sometimes the programs we craft in government do not fit the realities of life, Mr. Speaker, and this is one such case. I know the SFA program is under review, but that won’t be done, Mr. Speaker, for at least another year, possibly 18 months.
In the meantime, are we going to slam the door on one of our best students? Are we going to tell this constituent of mine, too bad, we just can’t help you out anymore? Your hopes and dreams are just too big. I certainly hope not, Mr. Speaker. If we can’t help even the most determined, bright, promising young students, we are heading down a very dark path. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
