I will give you time to find the interpretation channel, Mr. Chairman.
It's not an urgent matter.
Mr. Chairman, first allow me to congratulate you on your election. As we have all seen over the past few days, assuming the chairmanship of a committee is no easy task. On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, and, I would imagine, on behalf of the other members of the committee, I would like to wish you every success in your new position.
Our research staff were asked to provide us with a document, which they have done. Now we have to do our homework, and by that I mean, we have to fill in the said document. The plan is to send it to your offices. I know that this is not on today's agenda, but I would suggest that each member of the committee send his or her list of priorities to the clerk. The clerk will compile a master list of your priorities, numbered from 1 to 19. He will share the results with us at the next meeting; doing it this way will save us a lot of time. That is my first suggestion.
My next point is not on the agenda either; however, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development will be making a statement in the House today concerning a final settlement on the matter of residential schools. I think that members of this committee ought to recognize the government's efforts, and thank the minister who has worked diligently to resolve this matter, which has been in limbo for too long. We ought to congratulate the government, and, once again, ask it to issue the cheques to the former students of the residential schools, who are now elderly, as quickly as possible. This being done, we will be able to turn the page on this shameful episode in Canadian history.
Once we have dealt with these points, we can hear from the departmental officials. Thank you.