Thank you, Madam Chair. The Standing Committee on Social Programs conducted its public review of Bill 24, An Act to Amend the Student Financial Assistance Act, on May 27, 2014. A clause-by-clause review was held the same day. The committee thanks the Minister and his staff for presenting the bill.

The purpose of the legislation is to ensure ongoing financial aid to students. The bill increases the maximum aggregate for principal amounts outstanding for all loans to $45 million for 2014-2015 and subsequent years.

Following the committee’s review, a motion was carried to report Bill 24, An Act to Amend the Student Financial Assistance Act, to the Assembly as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.

This concludes the committee’s opening comments on Bill 24. Individual Members may have additional questions or comments as we proceed. Thank you, Madam Chair.