Under subsection (b), what definition of "residency" are we using in this act?

Thank you. Mr. Minister.

Well, it's right there in front of you, but I'll ask Ms. Whitehouse to explain it.

Thank you. Ms. Whitehouse.

The residency is 12 months.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This section sets out three qualifications a person has to meet in order to be entitled to access the education program. You have to reach a specific age, which is set out in paragraph (a); in (b), you have to be a resident and if they are an adult, they must be a resident for 12 months immediately preceding the date of registration; and, they have to be a Canadian citizen or a child of a Canadian citizen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you. Clause 5, as amended. Member for Thebacha.

Mr. Chairman, I just need clarification Is it just clause 5.(1) that we voted on, or (1)(a), or does it include clause 5.(2)?

Thank you. I believe we voted on (1)(a), but I will get clarification from the Minister. Mr. Minister.

Yes, it was 5.(1)(a).

I am informed by the Clerk that, even though we're dealing with (1)(a) of clause 5, the motion as passed by the committee subsequently amended the whole clause, according to my understanding. Member for Thebacha, do you have a further question? Clause 5, as amended.

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. We'll move on to clause 6. Mrs. Marie-Jewell.

I don't have any questions about clause 6. I think clause 6 clarifies subsections (1) and (2), particularly subsection (2), which I was concerned about under clause 5.

Thank you. Member for Thebacha, are you seeking consent from the committee to go back to clause 5.(2)? No? Okay, thank you. Clause 5 is approved. We're dealing with clause 6.

Agreed.

---Agreed

Thank you. Clause 7. I have Mr. Dent.

Qujannamiik. Mr. Minister.

Support services are for inclusive schooling. The problem with trying to articulate all support services is that each particular child may have different support services that are necessary, depending on the educational program they're involved in. The intention is for us to outline generally, in policy, what those program support services should be and then try to address that program with the student and the parents.

Thank you. Clause 7. Mr. Dent.

Merci. Mr. Minister.

Thank you. Mr. Chairman, that will always be a problem, though. The fact is that unless it is clear that there is a requirement for the boards to provide the educational programming, the fiscal question will also be a primary and basic concern. The problem with that is that all children, no matter what circumstances they may be in or what problems they may be encountering, have to be given some right to an educational program.

I appreciate the concern that has been raised, but I think the issue is that there has to be better planning and better organization of the resources. We may not be able to deliver all those requests that are being made, but we may be able to organize it in a much better arrangement so that our resources are used better.

No matter what happens, Mr. Chairman, that issue of resources will always be a factor. There has to be consideration in the program that we offer, as well. But that should not be an excuse. The problem is that it's been an excuse for people to avoid deliver programs. I understand the concern that has been raised, but I think it's something that needs to be worked out.