Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good afternoon, Mr. Minister. It's good to have you with us again. I appreciate your comments, particularly with the fact that you're opening up the scope of any possible questions and subject matter that we can bring before you.
I know you discussed education in your remarks. I want to focus on a particular issue that has certainly been the matter of some attention for a lot of people over the last few months, and that is the First Nations University. You have raised issues of accountability and transparency, and I believe that all members at this committee share your concerns. We know there have been challenges in the past, but I think it would be remiss not to say that there have also been some successes, like the over 3,000 graduates who have come out of the First Nations University, alumni like Perry Bellegarde, who ran for national chief and who was chief of the FSIN. And many others have become doctors and lawyers and have gone into almost every profession and made remarkable contributions to their communities and to Canada.
On the situation of accountability, there have been changes. I think you should agree that there have been some changes. There's been a change in the board of governors. There's been a change in the chief financial officer. There's been a sense and certainly a strong indication from the University of Regina that they are willing now to become involved in this, to provide administrative oversight, and to allow this institution to continue. So there have been changes. I think it would be wrong for anybody to make an assumption that there have been no changes, that even if it is a last-ditch effort, people are making a sincere effort to save this institution.
Is there any scenario, Minister, that you can envision that would allow First Nations University to continue, this unique and historical institution to continue, and to do some good work for first nations students? As you know, if the funding is cut off, it closes down. Some of those who are pursuing higher education now will not go back to pursue higher education. So I ask you this. Is there any scenario that you can envision that would keep First Nations University open after March 31 and allow it to pursue its goals and objectives?