Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues, for the discussion. I think there’s been a lot of good and interesting points laid out here. I’d like to summarize by saying really this is the only merit-based program that we sponsor. I think it’s definitely appropriate that we have a merit-based program.

This motion acknowledges that we have an excellent Student Financial Assistance Program, possibly the best in the country, acknowledged right in the motion.

The motion seeks greatly reduced expenditures from our current level, essentially to the 2001 levels.

The motion seeks a transition to allow students to adjust rather than the sudden and without-consultation action that we have taken.

The motion seeks merit-based recognition to encourage students to work hard.

The motion seeks to provide a tool for students to be able to compete successfully for additional financial support to help their education.

The complaints I’ve heard: Should we reduce it to 2001, it should reduce our expenditures to 2001 levels, from Mr. Menicoche. In fact it does. I assume we’ll have his support.

Another complaint: We must achieve high marks in math and science. No, that’s not true. This is for recognition and merit for high marks in whatever courses you choose to take.

And finally: The regions do not benefit. In fact, we have called for a redesign for this program and there is no reason why it cannot be redesigned to make sure that the awards are on a regional basis. It’s merit-based, whoever it is and whatever program you’re looking at.

Finally, I appreciate this opportunity. Grand Chief of the Dene Nation Bill Erasmus showed up in support of the students at the demonstration today and said to me personally, this merit-based recognition is important. He acknowledged only 14 percent of the current recipients are aboriginal, but he said this is a responsibility of this government and even nationally. Do not worry about students not returning, he said. Recognizing merit and hard work is a value that we support.

I call on everybody to support this motion and I call again on the Minister to support it and get this done in a modest way that recognizes our financial situation.