Debates of June 1, 2006 (day 3)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I spoke about some of the successful achievements of some of my constituents in the education field. Today I would just like to mention one of the shortfalls on this government’s education system.

I am well aware, as all Members are I am sure in this House, that our government resources are stretched very thin in order to accommodate the broad range of needs northerners require every day. I do acknowledge the fact that this government spends approximately 25 percent of the $1.2 billion budget on educating northerners, which is amongst the highest level on a per capita basis in this country, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say. But, Mr. Speaker, what I want to mention is the funding for higher education or funding for persons who want to obtain more than just one degree at the university level. Current eligibility requirements and limitations set out in this government’s Student Financial Assistance Program only allows for the basic grant to be applied to 12 semesters in your lifetime.

Mr. Speaker, it is not the number of basic grants that a student can apply for and receive that raises my concern, but the fact that the three simple words included in this policy, those being "in your lifetime" is what raises my concern.

This is the gist of what I am trying to raise here today in my Member’s statement. This simple insertion in the policy closes the student financial assistance’s door on any northerner who has expended their basic student financial assistance support and perhaps received a bachelor of arts degree but chooses to return to the university maybe after a number of years, be it to get a master's degree or perhaps a Ph.D. or even a bachelor of arts degree in a different field. These people are no longer eligible for the basic student financial grant. I cannot see how this is fair let alone good foresight by this government, especially if these individuals are northerners, having lived and worked in the North and are returning to the North after receiving one or more prestigious degrees.

Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment these and other questions later in today’s session. Mahsi cho.

---Applause