Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That may be one of many reasons. I pointed out to my colleagues and to the Standing Committee on Finance that there have been real, significant increases in the student population right across the Northwest Territories.

I've also indicated that there has been a shortage of financial resources for us to accommodate the significant populations of children that are either staying in school, as a result of the initiative for expanding high school programs in our communities, or for that matter, the increased birth rates in our communities. Some of our communities are expanding by three times the national birth rate. What we are seeing now are the results of those rates.

The Northwest Territories is multiplying in population by two times the national average. That is what is occurring. The problem that we are having -- and my honourable friend will recognize this -- is that several years ago there was a reduction in expenditures in the Department of Education, of approximately $12 million. That was a result of commitments on the part of this government for what it considered to be other priorities and requests by Members of this House.

Generally speaking, I feel confident with the Report of the Standing Committee on Finance, which indicates that education is priority number one. But, again, that commitment can only be considered serious if Members of this Assembly reflect upon the kinds of commitments we make, in terms of financial resources to education, whether it is to schools or student residences for our children.