Through the new sponsorship program, students entering their second or third year of a Masters Degree in a Speech Language Pathology Program may be eligible for tuition assistance of $4,200 per year.

Minister Ballem advised that the development of additional incentives to recruit speech language pathologists was a recommendation of the Health Human Resource Supply and Demand Analysis conducted in 2001. "Demand for this service is increasing for children with language and communication delays and children with special needs. In addition, we have a growing adult population in need of therapeutic services," said the minister. "The new sponsorship program will help us to be more competitive in recruiting speech language pathologists."

Prior to receiving financial assistance, students sponsored by the program must sign a return-in-service contract with the sponsoring Health Authority. Prior to employment, they must have graduated from a recognized Speech Language Pathology Program and be eligible for registration with the Canadian Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists Association.

Applications are available at the Department of Health and Social Services, 11 Kent Street, Jones Building, Charlottetown, PEI. Applications must be received by November 30, 2002. For further information, contact the Department of Health and Social Services at (902) 368-4927.