Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
First I want to mention how much I appreciate the evidence of the Canadian Federation of Students. It's very valuable for you to come here and give us the experience of your members. From the New Democratic Party's point of view, that's extremely helpful to our discussion, so thank you.
I want to talk a bit about child care. I think the economic benefits and multiplier effect of a national child care program are clear in study after study. Our party has long been convinced of that. In fact, I think there is a historical precedent. I don't think it's a coincidence that after World War II the introduction, really, of universal education from grades one to 12 coincided with one of the most phenomenal periods of economic growth in Canadian history—from the 1950s to the 1970s. I think this would do the same thing as it unleashes the economic potential primarily of women more than anybody else.
In a way, it's tragic that we have to speak in economic terms when we talk about child care. These are our children. Do we have to justify everything in economic terms to make sure that our children are taken care of and are nurtured and educated? During the last election campaign the number one issue I heard on the doorstep, by far, was child care. Our party will be going to Parliament and pushing for a national child care system. I want you to know we're completely behind that.
If there are any comments you want to make, please go ahead, but I just want to make that statement.