Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will be in favour of this bill today. I would like to talk a little bit about the proposed changes. In 1992 was the last time we raised student financial assistance amounts; 1992 is a long time ago. I think it is high time this government did something to put more money into the pockets of students. This is certainly a step in the right direction. I applaud the government for taking that step.

With tuition skyrocketing, students can no longer cope. I think we can all see that this is a scary reality. However, as we have said many times, there really is no new money. It is very important that we look at exactly where the money for this program is coming from. I think much analysis is needed, and we will look at that in committee, to see if we truly are doing the most equitable and beneficial thing for the Northwest Territories.

I think we have to look at the treatment for the various different groups of students. We say that for some students, we are solving their tax problems by taking away grants and giving them remissible loans. I would argue we are just giving them a whole new set of problems, Mr. Speaker. As to the principle of this bill, I am certainly going to vote in favour of anything that puts more money into the pockets of students. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.