Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to be here today to introduce Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Student Financial Assistance Act. I'd like to thank the Standing Committee on Social Development for their review.
This bill seeks to extend the term of Student Financial Assistance Appeal Board members from two years to up to four years. It also seeks to amend the qualifications for the post-secondary student representative on the appeal board to include individuals who have been a post-secondary student within five years of their appointment.
This bill will allow board members to establish continuity and build greater corporate knowledge over the course of their term. It will also allow for more effective use of training resources over the course of members' terms as the turnover in membership is expected to decrease.
The second proposed amendment in the bill would change the criteria for the student seat on the board, allowing recent post-secondary students to be appointed.
With that, I am pleased to answer any questions Members may have. Thank you, Mr. Chair.