Thank you, Madam Speaker. Just for the information of Members -- and I appreciate the question being asked -- the school funding formulas, as we all know, are used across the Northwest Territories to determine contributions. Using these formulas, the department estimates its contribution to Yellowknife Education District No. 1 will increase from $8.9 million for 1993-94 to $9.1 million for 1994-95. This 2.5 per cent projected quote in contributions responds to increased student enrolment. In Yellowknife Education District No. 1 the enrolment increased from 1,715 to 1,790, which is a four per cent increase. There are no other significant factors affecting the proposed contributions for 1994-95.

Although, not considered significant, a change in the administration formula did decrease the salaries and increase operating funds. The net effect was a decrease of $16,000. Increases to transportation and termination benefits resulting from the school finance review recommendations were implemented through a supplementary appropriation, and I'm glad the honourable Members supported them in 1993-94. The school district's press release is correct, that there is a slight decrease on a per student basis. It is also true that not all costs increase every year with the number of students. For example, the district's costs of operating its school buildings will not increase with the number of students in 1994-95. Thus, one could consider that the per student costs in this area will decrease. In other words, Madam Speaker, the school sizes are not increasing, therefore, the school O and M costs should not necessarily be.