By renegotiating the free trade agreement in recent years, Canada has sorted out its relationship with the United States and North America. It sorted out its relationship with Europe by establishing a free trade agreement. It's now seeking to sort out—and rightly so—its relationship with the Indo‑Pacific region through Canada's Indo‑Pacific strategy.
Canada needs something equivalent for Africa. What does Canada really want to do in Africa? Where is Canada prepared to commit its resources and best talent? I spoke about this earlier. Is it in energy, agriculture or education?
I would like to speak briefly about education. Over 600 million children will be entering the African school systems. I don't know what this entails, but it's a huge number of children. Could Canada take the lead in a global coalition to ensure that African children attend school? African countries have made a significant effort. Around 85% of children attend primary school and 40% attend secondary school. However, fewer girls than boys attend secondary school, which is a major rights issue.
What happens when, suddenly, 30 or 40 million children a year enter the system? We need to think about this situation. Actually, instead of thinking, it's time to take action. Education systems must be created and teachers must be trained for large groups. Otherwise, the Islamic schools will do the job, if you know what I mean. These independent and private schools, which operate outside any form of oversight, are the type of nonsense increasingly seen on the African continent.
I would like to get back to your question. Do I have another minute?