Thank you, Chair.
I've had this question prepared for the last 10 to 15 minutes, and I think during the proceeding two minutes you've just answered it, so I'm not sure what to say any more.
I am very taken aback by the statistics that are here and what you presented, in that 48% are under the age of 25. That's a substantial number for such a low age--certainly under 25. According to the 2006 census, 54% of the roughly 1.2 million aboriginal people live in urban centres. That is an increase from 50% since 1996, over 10 years.
I see what you mean by the friendship centres and the vital role they are playing, and certainly they are worthy of our attention. That being said, the number that I think is most striking is that number of 48% under the age of 25. The 150 celebration certainly is an exercise in discovery, not just for all of Canada to understand the heritage of Métis, but also for young Métis as well. It is a golden opportunity to introduce them into a national conversation.
Do you think the friendship centre concept and the network of friendship centres represent a good opportunity for Canada 150 to invest in as a legacy project?