Mr. Speaker, I have Return to Written Question 22-16(2) asked by Mr. Abernethy on June 10, 2008, regarding return of service bursaries.
Since the implementation of the Health and Social Services return of service bursaries, 361 individuals have been supported at a total cost of $3,165,331.
To date, 80 Northerners are currently enrolled in school. The value of the return of service bursaries awarded to these individuals totals $1,073,343 with an accumulated return of service commitment of 1,248 months.
Of the 361 individuals supported, 157 have completed their return of service obligation, amounting to 1,794 months of service at a cost of $803,058.
Forty-nine individuals are currently employed in the Northwest Territories and are working towards meeting their return of service obligation. The total value of these awarded bursaries is $896,421 totaling 1,583 months. To date, 757 months have been repaid.
Seventy-five individuals have defaulted, in whole or in part, on their return of service obligation. Combined, these individuals received $392,509 and committed to 956 months of return of service of which only 205 months were returned. The amount of money that is outstanding totals $317,221.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.