Mr. Speaker...(English not provided)
Mr. Speaker, when I talk to the youth throughout the North and ask them what comes to mind when I say post-secondary education, the replies are first excitement and then they recall not being able to afford expenses on a monthly basis.
Post-secondary education is very important for the healthy development, not only to Nahendeh, but throughout the Northwest Territories. An elder once told me the greatest gift you can give our youth is a good education, and this is the fundamental principle I use as an MLA.
A northern student, especially a first-year student, experiences many overwhelming challenges emotionally, financially and educationally. To further compound the transition to post-secondary education, our students face additional challenges most southern students take for granted like being alone, receiving consistent funding, et cetera. A recent publication regarding the composition of various boards and committees illustrate a very disconcerting trend; the Student Financial Assistance Appeal Board has all Yellowknife representation and none from the communities. For a government that prides themselves on being a government of the people, examples such as these seem to be contradictory.
These concerns are not isolated as many students throughout the North have experienced difficulties while dealing with the regional student assistance office. Many students cannot afford to cover the costs of education on their own and cannot retain loans or financial assistance other than the assistance offered by the Government of the Northwest Territories. This leaves the students with what is often described as one-chance policies, closing very important doors very early in a youth's education.
This government must recognize our educated youth and adults as the key to a successful future and must be proactive and creative with student financial assistance policies. A shortage of a skilled and educated workforce will only get worse and we must be prepared. This government must be prepared to be flexible when dealing with our students. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause