Is this usually a difficult point — to satisfy the teachers? When we talk about not being able to pay people a certain way because of our collective agreements and whatnot, is this an area where we are able to show our respect, in the sense of funding, and appreciation to that sector that we’re trying to employ? Especially when we talk about a small community, when it’s difficult to get them in there.... The fact that we’re able to — well, let’s call it what it is, really — pad their benefits program in order to encourage them to stay out there. Because quite often we’ll find that they’re already behind the eight ball when it comes to renting houses or finding happy choices and lifestyles in a small community.
My issue, really, on this one, is to be able to find an appropriate balance. It’s easy to say we appreciate and respect them. It’s another thing when it comes to really doing it. I want to make sure we’re giving that type of consideration and make sure we can. I mean, we just heard here recently that Mr. Jacobson’s area in Nunakput just had a flood of staffing, and now they’re restaffing. I just heard that from the Minister the other day through question period. But the fact is that if we’re having challenges keeping staff there, what are we doing to make sure we can keep them there? Is this an area the government could look at to ensure that we can make sure teachers are happy?