Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is focused on ensuring opportunities, education and training are available to all residents of the Northwest Territories. As our labour market needs to expand, so do the opportunities. The GNWT Population Growth Strategy has a target to bring 2000 people to the territory in the next four years, and ECE is doing its part to contribute to that strategy through one of our most valuable resources: our students. The department supports NWT post-secondary students to obtain the skills and education they need to contribute to a prosperous northern economy.

Mr. Speaker, in support of the GNWT Population Growth Strategy, the department will be making the following significant improvements to SFA for the 2015-16 academic year:

• increasing loan remission rates, so students have their debt forgiven faster while residing in the NWT;

• implementing a $2,000 northern bonus for both NWT and southern students who reside in the NWT to be applied to their student loan debt;

• introducing a zero percent interest rate for students who return to live in the NWT after completing their studies;

• increasing funding for tuition and books; and

• removing the 20 semester funding limit and reintroducing a revolving loan limit, so students who pay down their loan can access additional funding.

I am also pleased to announce that we launched an SFA online application on June 1st. The online application will simplify the application process, increase online presence and make the SFA program more accessible to NWT residents.

Mr. Speaker, the SFA application forms have also changed so that students can easily give their consent for ECE to connect them with all NWT employers to facilitate employment opportunities. Connecting students and employers will help ensure that our students return to the NWT and help meet the needs of the labour market.

Furthering the GNWT Growth Strategy, we are not only engaging with our northern students but also encouraging southern students to take advantage of the opportunities of living in the North.

Mr. Speaker, I have said before that our people are our territory’s greatest resource. Having more educated NWT residents entering the workforce will strengthen our economy and create opportunities across the territory for both Northerners and potential residents looking to make the North their home. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.