Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to move a motion on the Student Financial Assistance Scholarship Program.
WHEREAS the 2009-2010 Main Estimates eliminated the Student Financial Assistance Scholarship Program;
AND WHEREAS the awards were relied upon by students in managing their finances while at college or university;
AND WHEREAS the purpose of the Student Financial Assistance Program is to assist in meeting the costs of education and the purpose of scholarships is separate and distinct in that they recognize scholastic achievement;
AND WHEREAS these merit-based awards were also of value as an indication of achievement in competition for other scholarships and bursary opportunities;
AND WHEREAS students anticipating scholarships were given little notice of the termination of the Scholarship Program, upsetting crucial financial planning;
AND WHEREAS there is a clear need and responsibility to provide students with transitional scholarship funding during a period of dramatic change;
AND WHEREAS there may be some real need to reduce these costs in the immediate future;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, that the Student Financial Assistance scholarships awarded by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment be reinstated for the 2009-2010 fiscal year;
AND FURTHER, that the value of the awards should be equal to half of the value of the scholarship amounts issued under each category in fiscal year 2008-2009, with further reductions to be introduced in each category in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.