(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (Translation ends) ... its budget covers everything from schools to social assistance. I have some general comments.

I am pleased that education still seems to be a priority for this government, even in this time with less money. I was pleased to learn of the Minister's early childhood intervention initiative and also of the money that will be spent on developing a workforce is also welcome. I refer to initiatives such as Investing in People and community grade extensions. Also, Mr. Chairman, I'm pleased that the Department of Education will make greater use of technology in their operations to bring education even closer to home in our remote communities.

As was announced in Mr. Todd's budget speech, we know that grants to the divisional boards of education will be reduced at a time when people are expecting more. I am grateful that in the Baffin region the board is not in a deficit position, so they will have an easier time coping with reducing funding than other boards that have a deficit. We understand that class sizes will have to be larger.

I have several questions about these reductions. For example, in my region, I am in full support of the Minister's directive to offer high school programs in every community; however, I understand from the Baffin Divisional Board of Education that they believe it will be impossible to provide counsellor positions along with community grade extensions. With fewer teachers available in the coming year, it is no longer possible for the boards to reallocate existing positions. I'm sure that the Minister and his officials agree that if we are to extend high school grade levels in the communities, we should equip them with the tools necessary to do the job. Personal counselling is essential for many high *school students to succeed. I would like the Minister to respond to this concern: If there are plans to extend grades in the communities, will there be enough money to be allocated, even in these difficult financial times, to do the job properly? If not, I think we should expect our divisional board to carry out this goal and the Minister's directives should be revised. Has this problem been anticipated in the budget which is before us?