Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I have a return to an oral question asked by Ms. Mike on December 13, 1991, with regards to differing rates for post-secondary students. In 1989 the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development restructured its student financial assistance program by collapsing the categories of special assistance provided to students, and increasing the base rates. In 1990, the Government of the Northwest Territories increased students' allowance rates, but continued to provide categories of special assistance.
While the base rates for living allowances are higher through DIAND, the GNWT program can be more beneficial for students. The GNWT program provides special allowances for needs such as child care, tutoring, and travel for dependents, in addition to living allowances for students.
Indian and Northern Affairs has placed monthly ceilings on their assistance to individual students. The GNWT has not established ceilings, and therefore has the flexibility to consider individual circumstances and student needs. Also, the GNWT program has no maximum limit on the number of years that a student can receive sponsorship. DIAND on the other hand will only sponsor students for the stated length of the program, except in special circumstances, such as illness.
I will be providing details of differing rates in writing to all Members of the Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.