Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned, there is a grace period for anyone failing a term. There is only a requirement for repayment if they fail a second term. In my mind, that is the method by which a student can withdraw from the program. I am not sure about the other areas the Member asked about, but I will get back to the Member. Thank you.

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Final supplementary, Mr. Krutko.

David Krutko Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have to realize that this is a fact of life living in the Northwest Territories; a lot of our students attend institutions in the south. We should take into account that special circumstances occur, and we should allow for these circumstances. Will the Minister take this into account, realizing we do not want to see students have to fail simply because of a death in the family? Will the Minister seriously look at this? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I certainly will look at the matter. Thank you.

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Item 6, oral questions. The Member for Hay River North, Mr. Delorey.

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Delorey. The Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do not have the answer to that question. I will take it as notice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. The question has been taken as notice. Item 6, oral questions. The Member for Great Slave, Mr. Braden.

Bill Braden Great Slave

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment. It relates to the Student Financial Assistance Program.

I have heard complaints that cheques are not always deposited in a timely manner, and that students are unable to get notification that funds have been deposited. These two complaints were in the final report of the Ministerial Forum on Student Financial Assistance. They were also in a letter that was tabled in the House on Wednesday from the Northwest Territories Students Coalition.

Mr. Speaker, it makes a big difference to students if their funding does not reach them in a timely manner. When students have to resort to food banks, as some have because cheques were late, it does not reflect well on this program.

My question for the Minister is what steps has the department taken to ensure on time delivery and notification of funds? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Braden. The Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Ootes.

Jake Ootes Yellowknife Centre

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are some technical questions that I am not in a position to answer. I am more than happy to answer these questions before the standing committee or in committee of the whole. I can tell the Member the department is looking at streamlining the process, and looking at things like websites and creating updated application forms and so on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker Tony Whitford

Thank you, Mr. Ootes. Supplementary, Mr. Braden.