Thank you very much for that.
I'd now like to go to Ms. Simon, Mr. Jules, and Mr. Jock.
On January 1 the government is planning to throw more money into corporate tax cuts, with another $4 billion in spending thrown to very profitable Canadian companies.
You have each been very eloquent about the investments that are needed. When going to northern Canada, I've seen that myself and how appalling the housing situation is there. Yesterday we heard testimony from the Canadian Federation of Students in regard to the PSSSP that about a third of aboriginal students who apply for supports to get education and training to take that next step are denied because there's inadequate funding.
We've seen a wide variety of very compelling arguments about increasing inequality in this country, the record levels of inequality among aboriginal people, new Canadians, people with disabilities, youth, and older Canadians. I'd like you to address the issue of what the cost is of not acting.
If we look to austerity measures rather than taking a balanced approach that includes substantial investments, so that first nations can improve their housing and have access to educational programs and provide more services for their communities, what is the price of not acting?