Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Since I have very little time, I will put all my questions to you in random order. You can answer them afterwards.
In the last paragraph of page 3 of your speaking notes, you state this:
Despite the large increase over several decades in the number of post-secondary students supported, post-secondary attainment rates for First Nations and Inuit do not yet match those of other Canadians.
In this regard, I'd like to know whether the customs and languages of the students are used where post-secondary education is provided.
In the second complete paragraph on page 4, you state:
His main finding is that there is a pressing need to address the very low Aboriginal high school graduation rates in order to increase participation rates among First Nations—
Certain persons who have appeared before this committee talked about the subject. For years now, the situation has been denounced. Don't you think that the attendance rate and the success rate of young people in elementary and high schools would be better if they had a more conventional family life?
I'm a little bit angry to see that what's been generally recommended here is an extension in the duration of the university and college preparatory program. These people are just as intelligent as we are. If we give them an opportunity to study under normal conditions, we will not need to extend the duration of their studies.
What leaves me truly perplexed is to hear that you have no control over the money that you distribute to communities to help students at the post-secondary level. Could I go into one of these communities and buy a truck with the money earmarked for post-secondary education? There's really no connection between the two.
As my colleague already asked you, what are you waiting for to implement the recommendations contained in the PricewaterhouseCoopers' report? You would then have at least partial control over spending, community needs and programs.