Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the comments made by the Member. It is a concern that, as Minister, I also share. I think that we have to reflect upon the issue of cost reductions based on the fiscal situation that we're all in. In other words, we have to try to find ways in which everyone has to pick up their share of paying for the financial problems or financial situation that we're in. I think that, generally speaking, we're at a stage now where those choices have to be made. As a result of that we've had to make our recommendations to the Arctic College board knowing that there's still an increase in the financial resources that they're going to be receiving. In spite of that, I do say to the honourable Member that, generally speaking, our course costs are as much as one-quarter of what would normally be charged at other institutions in the country. That, in my view, is a reflection of our commitment that we generally take the same position that the honourable Member has stated, and that is that we have to try to make as many of the courses available as possible to our northern community and our northern students.

There are other factors. I think that our student financial assistance program takes the responsibility of paying for much of the courses. The other component is that we have in some ways made it a little easier for our students in terms of child care costs, allowing for part-time students and full-time students to access resources, and upon the direction and advice from the Members of the Assembly we've been able to open the opportunities for financial support much better than it was previously. I share the concern.

The other component that we have to continue to be concerned about are the demographics. In other words, the total population increases and what that might mean in terms of the program or the access to college programming or post-secondary programs. I don't have much to say in opposition to the honourable Member but we do have to consider the financial situation and how we can accommodate the reductions while at the same time maintaining the level and the quality of service that we are now providing. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't ensure that our colleges and our campuses have the ability to expand their programs. We've done that on a number of occasions, but at the same time we have to seriously consider this issue of centres of excellence. The standing committee talked about that matter a number of times. We may not be able to offer a program in every campus so we have to ensure that if we have a program, it is based in a location where we can offer the best resources and services. The nursing program is a good example of that. The point that was made by Mr. Patterson on environmental technology is another one. At the same time, we have to recognize the point the honourable Member made; that is, trying to deliver some of these programs as close to home as possible. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.