Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The spiritual education program in Hay River has been a very successful program and is well accepted and desired by the

majority of the parents of the children in these two schools.

The old act was clear that religious education was allowed, but that no student would be forced to learn a religion contrary to his or her own beliefs. This intent remains clear in the new act, unfortunately the specific direction is lost and the decision for each community is left up to the Minister instead.

Mr. Speaker, the Hay River community is extremely concerned. The community needs to know, if indeed the spiritual education classes will be reinstated and if not, what recourse the community has. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.