Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The proposed act recognizes a student's entitlement to access an education program in a public school, public denominational school, private school or through home schooling. This entitlement is limited by the age of the student, five to 21, by residency requirements, and by citizens.

The bill provides that, although a student over the age of 21 is not entitled to access, it is within the authority of the district education authority to offer an education program to students over the age of 21. The committee is supportive of an upper age limit of 21 as opposed to the previous limit of 19.

Inclusive Schooling

The committee heard many comments on the inclusive schooling section of the bill during the public hearings. As a result, during committee meetings, the entire section was amended. The section now ensures the right of all children to instruction in a regular classroom setting. Decisions on support services are to be determined at the local level and the limiting phrase "where practicable" has been removed.

Inclusive Schooling Funding

Many of the concerns with the inclusive schooling policy come from the issue of resources. Presenters said that the policy was sound but, if adequate resources are not provided to see it through, students are only being "warehoused," rather than educated.

The concerns with funding are twofold. First, the resources dedicated to special needs do not seem to be sufficient to implement the direction, as laid out in the policy and as implemented in the 1980s when students were returned to the north from southern specialist institutions. If the policy is to work, adequate resources must be provided. The second issue relates how divisional boards use the funding allocated for special needs. As one presenter said, "you can say every child has special needs," so resources originally intended for a specific group of children are now being used to address a much broader set of needs. Some Members saw part of the problem in the lack of definition for what the Minister means by special needs.

While the issue of resources cannot be addressed through the legislation, the committee believes that resources are crucial to successful implementation of inclusive schooling.

Recommendation 2

So, we have recommendation 2. The Standing Committee on Legislation recommends that the government evaluate the formula funding provided for inclusive schooling and the processes used by education bodies for allocating this funding among students, taking into consideration the inclusive schooling policy.

Mr. Speaker, I will now defer, through you, to the dean of the House, Mr. Pudluk.