Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment talked about the Student Financial Assistance program, and some of the very welcomed changes that are being made to it. I want to congratulate the Minister, and the department, for the changes that he described to us. I know, on behalf of a couple of my constituents, these have been areas of concern. It is really gratifying to see that the attention we put on it has been listened to, and accommodated.
Mr. Speaker, there is always something else that can be tuned up. I want to bring to the attention of the Assembly a matter that is out there. It is in regard to the provision of student financial assistance to adults who are taking courses at the Native Women's Association programs here in Yellowknife, Mr. Speaker.
The contrast that I would draw here is that those adult students, who take adult basic education at the Native Women's Association, do not qualify for student financial assistance. However, if they go a few blocks down the street and take the same course at Aurora College, they can get the Student Financial Assistance program. There is a gap here, Mr. Speaker, that I think I would like to draw attention to. Over the last five years, 175 students have gone through the Native Women's Association. It is a very specific and a needed kind of service for adults who, many of them, are in difficult situations. We are reminded, Mr. Speaker, that education is a productive choice for those people who are on income support. I am sure the Minister is going to be able to give me some good answers, as he has responsibility for both income support and student financial assistance. Thank you very much.
---Applause