Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too support the principle of the bill. I have fought long and hard, especially for the Inuvialuit and Metis people I represent. They have been discriminated against for years, regardless of the fact they are aboriginal people recognized under Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. They are penalized by Revenue Canada through the taxation of student loans, while other people do not have the tax problems that the Inuvialuit and the Metis have.
The intent of this bill is to try to remedy that, and put everybody on the same playing field. I support that. I also want to make sure that whatever we do, we do not create another level of bureaucracy, where we find the people we represent, be they Inuvialuit, Metis, or non-aboriginal people, are not burdened by more red tape and bureaucracy. We have to streamline it in such a way that it is accessible, fair and improves the lives of our students when they go off to obtain a post-secondary education.
Mr. Speaker, in closing I think it is important this government consider the possibility of looking at some mechanism to allow this program to take into account that there have been implications on Inuvialuit and Metis students. Financial implications with which they are having some major tax problems due to Revenue Canada. If we can find a way to assist those students, I will support that fully.
With that, I support the principle of the bill. It will ensure this program does not cause another burden for our students. Thank you.