Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I want to address the cancellation of the social work program at Aurora College. We've heard that one justification for the decision is based on low numbers of graduates from the program, so perhaps the Minister believes that represents a poor return on public investment and therefore this program can hit the chopping block to meet reduction targets. On the other hand, enrolment has increased, which is an indication of how important and needed the program is.

In fact, low numbers of grads may be a problem within the program itself in that new social work students may not be equipped to meet the standards set for a diploma linked to the University of Regina undergrad program. Higher enrolment rates lead me to believe there's demand and popularity for the program. Low graduation rates lead me to think there is work to be done with student preparedness as they move through the program.

Beyond that, Mr. Speaker, let's consider the need for such a program. In today's NWT's society, social work is a fundamental human process in need. It's a core element of what our communities need to function better.

I recently received an e-mail from a constituent, a graduate of Aurora College's social work program. She wrote, and I quote, "I completed my first practicum at YHSSA with social workers with Master's degrees from southern schools who did not understand residential school, the effects of residential school. They did not even know the difference between someone who was Metis or Gwich'in. How are we expected to improve and grow in the North when we are not even offering the opportunity for growth? I know several students who recently enrolled and several more who are planning on doing so next year. They will now have to take their SFA loans from ECE and hand the money over to southern schools rather than putting the money back in to the North."

Mr. Speaker, with this decision our future social workers may be recruited and trained in southern Canada, so by definition they'll arrive here at the start of a new learning curve. Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.

---Unanimous consent granted