The government has a grant program to help fund summer work for students.  That`s not unusual. But what is odd is that MPs are supposed to sign off and approve: That is, choose or veto summer job grants.

It doesn`t take a genius to see how this can be abused, and political favours be exchanged.

Which is why a senior MP once told me: Don`t get involved in student grants, the civil servants do a professional job.  As an MP, all you need to know is that the process is fair and the criteria straightforward.

It`s good advice; advice that I and most Saskatchewan MPs have followed.  So if your organization received a federal student summer employment grant, congratulations. You got it because you were the best applicant and not because someone pulled some strings.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt. You can reach my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133. Feel free to drop by my two offices for a visit: Saskatoon (Monday to Friday) or Humboldt (Tuesday and Wednesday). I always appreciate your feedback.