Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not certain as to what kind of latitude a Minister has to reprofile and reallocate funds. We are talking about recruitment and retention, which is the lapsed funding Mr. Miltenberger refers to. I do not know how pleased Ordinary Members would be when they go through budget processes and are involved in allocation of funds if that kind of latitude was granted.
However, let me say that I do agree that if we have northern nurses, we want to expand on their skills, and, who are being rejected for education leave... the issue of the amount of money available in this fund does need to be examined so this does not happen again.
I also want to assure the Member that there are two times per year under the collective agreement when employees can apply for this education leave. Those times are in January and September. People who have previously applied are given priority. We would certainly encourage and invite another application from his constituent. Thank you.