Thank you, Madam Chair. I don't want to speak to any specific students. I don't want to identify any students here and talk about how they are doing, but I remember, a few years ago, there was an article in the news that Ulukhaktok was having its first ever grad class. Three students, all going to university, all thanks to Northern Distance Learning. I know that the Member is a skeptic, but the proof is in the pudding.

Northern Distance Learning has quite excellent success rates. It's not just an online course. It is much more interactive than that. It's not distance learning; it is bringing a level of education to smaller communities that has never existed before. A lot of students who participate in it do go on to university. The program has been working. It has been getting better every year, and that's why we continue to invest in it. It is one of the bright spots of education in the territory.

There are students in small communities who are struggling, who have issues outside of school that prevent them from really fully committing to school. Then there are students who are fully committed to school, for whatever reason, maybe they just love school, maybe it's an escape for them, and we are giving them an opportunity to take those same courses that are usually only offered in regional centres and allowing them to attend university. There have been success stories.

In addition to just providing Northern Distance Learning, there is also a bridging program where students normally travel to a university and learn about the university experience. It's more than just the academic side. It is a very successful program. I have to say that, and I have to defend the program. I hope that, despite the Member's concerns, he is still supportive of the budget. Thank you.