Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
In your presentation, you spoke to us about certain challenges. With regard to aboriginal populations, we know that this segment of the population is under-employed, that they are young, and that their numbers are growing rapidly.
In the course of another study, we heard witnesses tell us that there were employment programs and that some employment programs with inadequate budgets were being assessed. Certain programs work well. We also heard about a pilot project involving training in the construction field, and we were told that this was working so well that everyone involved had found work. People were phoning, but there weren't enough workers. The program worked very well, but since it was a pilot project, the federal government subsidy came to an end last year.
Can you tell me whether the department intends to consult the first nations on their needs, for instance, regarding apprenticeship programs? It might be worthwhile to review the budgets in consultation with first nations groups.