Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department has a number of initiatives aimed at ensuring students across the north have equitable access to resources and supplies. One approach, obviously, is through formula funding, which ensures that divisional education councils are equitably funded to provide the resources that are needed in the classroom. The Member mentioned Internet access. Education, Culture and Employment has worked to provide some of the start-up funds for the digital
communications network which should provide access to all schools by the end of this calendar year with high-speed lines to the Internet. This will allow students in smaller communities the opportunity to enjoy distance learning programs. When the department was initiating grade extensions, there was a small schools capital fund which allowed some schools to invest in science lab equipment and the sorts of materials that are needed for senior grades to ensure those programs can be offered in the smaller communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
