Official Languages committee  It certainly interferes with planning, organization of the work, the distribution of tasks, etc. It is like a household that starts operating on January 1st but doesn't get its first cheque until April 1st.

Official Languages committee  All funding applications have to be in by December 15th. The fiscal year begins April 1st. At that time, we get 25% of the previous year's amount so that we can operate for the first few months. It depends on the province, but the core funding for the current year usually arrives in July and often in August.

Official Languages committee  There again, that is something that I could spend an entire week talking about.

Official Languages committee  Accountability is important and organizations are aware of that. Money received must be accounted for. We have no problem with that. However, it often changes with the people. If an official changes position, we start over from scratch. Then there is a different interpretation of the rules, the reports, and so on.

Official Languages committee  Yes, that is true. We both come from the same riding.

Official Languages committee  I will try to be brief, but it is something that I could easily spend an entire week discussing.

Official Languages committee  No, not at all.

Official Languages committee  There are a number of problems. As we stated earlier, the fiscal year began on April 1st. With a little luck, we will know by July how much we will be receiving. Last year, we were told in August. That means that we are already four or five months into the fiscal year. We are given an advance representing a meager 25% of the previous year's funding on April 1st, so that we can continue to operate.

Official Languages committee  No, it is a recurring problem. I am not mentioning it because I want to play politics.

Official Languages committee  Yes. I totally agree with you, but the cooperation agreements are touted as extremely important. We can't deny that. It's the process that needs some fine tuning, however. The program will end on March 31st, 2009, but we know that the agreement won't be signed for another year or 18 months.

Official Languages committee  Does Manitoba have the same problem?

Official Languages committee  I believe that it is also the case for Nunavut, Alberta and Prince Edward Island. We must make sure to mention that in the report, Mr. Chairman.

Official Languages committee  One of our problems is that we cannot undertake long-term or even annual planning, since the funding is only available five or six months into the fiscal year. It is almost impossible. Moreover, we must constantly be accountable. If a grant arrives in February—

Official Languages committee  In New Brunswick, new services are being requested. New Brunswick is often used as an example because it is the only officially bilingual province in Canada. That comes with a responsibility; people expect to receive services in French. The number of organizations has increased over the past few years.