The men have obviously taken up too much of our ten minutes, so I will be very brief. I have just a couple of points on the Metropolis project. This is something I'm sure you're all familiar with.
As an organization, we are becoming somewhat concerned that the research being conducted isn't necessarily reflecting the interests we have as the settlement sector. We would like to see some effort made to harness the research so that there are some definite outcomes and benefits to the sector. To be a bit blunt, the research could come down a bit more to a level at which settlement agencies would feel comfortable being involved and discussing issues. At times it gets quite mind boggling, and I feel there are really some lost opportunities. We would like the Metropolis project to be sensitive to the contribution that we can make.
There is another issue I would like to bring to your attention. Possibly you know the passion that I've had, since 30 years ago I came to Newfoundland, not as a refugee, but as a very reluctant immigrant. I landed in Gander, and as Norm can tell you, June 17 in Gander is very cold, and it was quite foggy. I went by bus to St. John's, and I announced I was not staying in that godforsaken country. Anyway, 30 years later I'm still there. I think because I was so concerned about how I misjudged that place, I have spent a very big part of my working life trying to promote the province. I believe all of the Atlantic provinces have a tremendous amount to offer.
We need help, though. We're losing people who are going to work in other provinces. We're all getting older, and we need, I believe, to make a much greater effort to recruit newcomers. Through the agency I work with, we receive 155 government-assisted refugees per year. We could easily cope with at least--even in incremental stages--50 more, 100 more. And I think this is the same for all the Atlantic provinces.
Finally, the provincial governments are buying into this. They are recognizing that it perhaps is the last hope we have to make things vibrant. So if by working together you can ensure that our provinces are going to maintain their position, I think that will be a wonderful legacy.
Thank you.