Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to thank the witnesses for coming here today.
The questions have been very interesting. I'm a little bit concerned about some of the questions coming from the opposition--particularly from the NDP--as they seem to stereotype first nations people as people who don't pay taxes and therefore tax credits don't benefit them.
In fact, if tax credits are not effective, I wonder why the NDP representative from the Western Arctic, Denis Bevington, is calling for Ottawa to give northerners, especially aboriginals, a bigger tax break to help offset the higher and rising costs of living in the north. So obviously tax incentives do work for all Canadians, though it's agreed they're not the full answer.
I'm going to just ask three questions and then leave it up to the panellists to respond. My first question is about the fact that for the food program the funding has grown significantly over the last few years, from $29 million to $47 million. I'd like you to explain why that is, and it might be a good thing—I would just like to know.
Also, I'd like to know if you could explain the measures we are taking as a government to improve the conditions of families that are in lower socio-economic circumstances and their capacity to make healthier choices.
Finally, I want to ask you about something that has been topical and in the news of late. Schools provide, obviously, an important opportunity to deal with issues. And in particular around first nations issues, I wonder what is being done at the school level that falls within the federal jurisdiction.
Those are my questions.