Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While I was in Hay River, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting with about 35 teachers. As their representative, I would like to convey a message to this government on behalf of our teachers. The challenges facing our educators are ever increasing. As we, a government, attempt to hold the line on deficit financing of our programs and services, our school populations are growing, our student teacher ratios are rising and this is further complicated by our high rate of northern children with special education needs. This is causing a great deal of stress for professional educators who, in spite of this, remain committed to their students not only in their classroom studies but also in the many extra curricular activities to which our teachers donate countless hours which forms an important part of our children's education.

On top of these challenges the teachers, as I am sure everyone is aware, are not pleased with the manner in which reductions were made in the remuneration they receive for their work. They understand the fiscal realities facing our government but have ideas to contribute on how reductions in government expenditures could have been accomplished while upholding a strong commitment to education as a highest priority of this government. Money spent on education and early intervention in the learning needs of challenged children will save money in the future, which we will ultimately have to spend on social programs, incarceration, income support, adult education and so on.

In view of these stresses and challenges facing our teachers, I want to reassure the teachers in my community that I am open to any suggestions they may have on how we, as a government, can provide greater support to them on where they think this government could implement cost-saving measures in other areas of expenditure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.