Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am bound to uphold the laws of this jurisdiction. I can only approve courses of instruction that fit within the definition of the Education Act. I do not have the authority to bend the rules. I think it is worth pointing out, Mr. Speaker, it is my opinion that religious instruction can be provided in the school, however, it cannot be considered as part of the course of instruction.
Our Education Act sets a minimum number of hours that students must attend school and for those hours there are certain requirements for programs that meet the course of instruction. There are ways in which religious matters can be discussed during those courses of instruction, but not how it has been done in the past in Hay River. That does not stop them from using school facilities outside the hours of instruction to provide the courses they have been, if that is the wish of the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.