Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you for coming to meet with us this morning. Your presence is appreciated and shows the importance you give to improving conditions for First Nations people.
I would particularly like to thank Chief Picard for coming this morning. I participated with him in the First Nations socioeconomic forum in Mashteuiatsh, during which our government signed a protocol aimed at transferring the responsibility for Aboriginal education to Aboriginals.
The housing issue was also broached. A committee and follow-up mechanisms were put in place. A meeting is scheduled for the spring.
In that regard, I think that my colleague Mr. Lemay’s idea to give you the opportunity to share your thoughts with us on the forum is brilliant. I think it is in everyone’s interest. I fully support the idea, just as I support the principles mentioned this morning aimed at eliminating poverty, not only in Aboriginal communities but also throughout the country.
It is difficult to run through it again in three minutes. I have a few questions for Chief Picard. Did you attend the preparatory meetings leading up to the first ministers’ meeting in Kelowna?