Mr. Speaker, I believe last week the Minister of Education made a statement in the House in regard to student absences and the problem that we’re seeing across the Territories. Mr. Speaker, it amazes me that Sport North, who are going to be hosting the dog mushing trials in Fort Smith, that people from the Mackenzie Delta who are going to take part in these trials have to drive from Mackenzie Delta to Fort Smith. Mr. Speaker, the students that are taking part in these trials will have to take three weeks of school off because of the way the trials have been set up.

Mr. Speaker, it’s unacceptable to allow our students to miss three weeks of school, yet we have a Minister who’s basically stating the importance of keeping the students in school. Mr. Speaker, I think the Minister of Education, along with Sport North and the Department of MACA must find a solution to this problem to accommodate our students to ensure that they do not miss three weeks of school simply because of where they’re located.

Mr. Speaker, the trials will take place in Fort Smith and if you qualify for the Arctic Winter Games, you will have to stay there until the games are being held in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Again, Mr. Speaker, from there you have to basically drive back to the Mackenzie Delta, which will take you somewhere around five or six days. I think, Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable.

The Department of Education talks about establishing the policies and making sure we keep our students in school. I think you should inform government departments and agencies that they should also do their part to ensure that these students are able to access their education and make sure that they don’t miss any of their studies.

Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be asking the Minister of Education questions on this matter. Thank you.