Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The purpose of this amendment is to eliminate the student financial assistance board, in response to Motion 84-4 of the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions. During the last session of the Legislative Assembly, the committee reviewed the purpose, operation and costs of the board and recommended that it be discontinued.
The board was first established in 1982, and restructured in 1990 to provide broad advice to the Minister on student financial assistance. The board directed the development of a policy and administration manual, which was completed, and continues to guide the procedures for the administration of the program. The board has not met for approximately two years, largely because guidelines for administration are now in place and broad advice on program and procedures is now being provided directly through the Minister and the Assembly.
Students individually and through student associations had the opportunity to provide advice and make recommendations. At this time, I would like to express my appreciation for the work done by the student financial assistance board in the past and assure the Assembly that there will continue to be an opportunity for the Assembly and the public to advise me on this program.