Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said in my Member's statement, a lot of work has been done in this area. But there is still a lot of concern from residents and aboriginal groups in the Territories and the differences made through this Student Financial Assistance Program.
One particular area is a program that is available, on a limited basis, to status aboriginals, called the College and University Entrance Program. This program prepares aboriginal status students for success in post-secondary studies, and has been delivered by Aurora College in the past.
Several MLAs made comments in the last Assembly on their disappointment that this excellent program was not extended to people of Inuvialuit and Metis descent. When you consider the average grade level completion of aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories is grade eight, you can see the post-secondary opportunities are limited for some residents.
For example, an aboriginal person of Metis descent is able to upgrade through the adult education program to a grade 12 level. This would not necessarily mean that person is ready to enter a diploma or degree program.
My question for the Minister is whether the proposed redesign of the Student Financial Assistance Program allows funding for students taking university or college preparation courses? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.