Thank you.
I'm speaking in favour of the motion by Monsieur Lemay. An extensive amount of consultation and work went into developing the agreement that occurred in Kelowna. What we know from a number of other committees is that sufficient study has been done on closing the poverty gap.
These are just figures that I think will be helpful for the committee to know, and these are the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs' own figures. In 1999-2000, the funding had decreased for First Nations and Inuit communities by 13% for things like education, economic and social development, capital facilities, and maintenance. I would urge the committee that the time for action is now. I think we've gone far beyond the time for talk. So I would encourage the committee to support the Kelowna agreement, and I fully support Monsieur Lemay's motion.