Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I suspect that there is overall equity right now, if you take into account the amount of subsidy that is paid to support the apprentices through their work throughout the year. This government contributes a significant amount of money to providing salaries to the apprentices while they're working. One of the advantages you have in the apprenticeship program is that generally you get through that program without thousands and thousands of dollars of student debt, which is unlike post-secondary programs for university students. Right now somebody can come out after four years of university and owe this government $40,000 to $60,000 that they have to pay back over a number of years. For apprentices that's not usually the case, and that is a big difference. I think that has to be factored in as to whether or not there is equity in the current program.
I would certainly be willing to take a look at the program and work with my colleagues on the Standing Committee on Social Programs to ensure that there is, in fact, equity between post-secondary supports and apprenticeship. Thank you.