Thank you, Chair.
It's been an hour and a half, and this is the first intervention I've had. I felt a little bit drawn into it—I don't want to prolong this debate—because it seems to me we're getting off track just a tad. Actually, we're way off track, frankly.
With regard to Mr. Lake's comment about consultation—that they're the only ones who have consulted with parents—I have to take exception to that. The only parent that I've heard from in my province of Nova Scotia who opposed the bill was the minister from Nova Scotia, who appeared before us with concerns about the bill. Her appearance prompted many parents, including, obviously, child care advocates, to call up and say, “We do support this bill.” I have those letters in my office, if people want to see them.
The concern is that there was $345 million cut over five years for first nations early learning and child care. That was in the Kelowna accord. It's gone, and people are concerned about that. That's why it's important to fix this bill in that respect. Many parents have called me, as they have called all members of this committee—I've got a binder full—saying this is something we need to support.
You know what? There may be some flaws in it, but it's a very good piece of legislation.