Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to speak about the student financial assistance policy that currently makes students attending the RCMP training academy ineligible for grants or loans. I have discussed the matter with the Minister and the rationale he has given me is that it is because this program is not recognized as a post-secondary institution. I wish to advise him that I have information that suggests otherwise and I would urge the Minister to reconsider this unfair and irrational treatment.

Mr. Speaker, on the Web site of the RCMP, I find the following and I quote, "The training academy is a designated post-secondary institution in the province of Saskatchewan. The training academy has been certified as an educational institution for the purpose of the Income Tax Act since January 1997." Therefore, incoming cadets are eligible to receive student loans and/or have their loan payments suspended while attending the cadet training program.

Mr. Speaker, another reason for ineligibility given by the Minister is that the RCMP pays for the full training cost. Once again, this is not entirely correct and I would like the Minister to reconsider this position as well. I find other information on the RCMP Web site, Mr. Speaker, and I quote, "Cadets coming to the training academy are responsible for their own expenditures. It is recommended that cadets budget a sufficient amount for the purchase of academic supplies, uniform items, foot wear, equipment, maintenance supplies and spending money during their stay." A recent survey of the cadets indicated that they spend an average of $4,600, which includes a trip home while at the training academy.

Mr. Speaker, the important point is that the student financial assistance is designed to help students obtain post-secondary education and the program should make an effort to include legitimate pursuits in that way and not to find ways to exclude post-secondary education.

Mr. Speaker, I have pursued this a lot in this session and the Minister has stated over and over and over for ineligibility because the rest of Canada does not recognize it. However, on this one, Mr. Speaker, it is clear that we have information that suggests that this is a post-secondary education and I urge the Minister to revisit it and change the policy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause