Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Gentlemen, thank you for joining us today.
Both of you emphasized providing jobs for Canadians before bringing in foreign workers. Since the beginning of our study, much has been said about underemployed groups, such as women, aboriginal groups, young people and individuals with physical disability. We know that the unemployment rate among young people is very high—17%. We also heard, especially last Thursday, that young people and aboriginals needed basic training. Young people lack basic training. They often lack basic training for working in a team and staying on schedule. They lack literacy training, and so on.
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada has a program called Skills Link. That program provides funding for such groups. In my riding, for instance, the Ateliers bon débarras provide training to 16- or 17-year olds who don't go to school or work. That really gives them the required basic training. Another group called Wapikoni recently underwent cuts. That organization provided basic training to aboriginal groups.
In your respective industries, have you noted that need for basic training among young people or maybe even among aboriginals? Could you keep your answers brief, please? I would then like to turn the rest of my time over to Mr. Lapointe.
Thank you.