Thanks very much.
Thank you very much for coming. As you know, this committee can help on certain aspects of the four-point plan that you've put before us. In terms of the work of the committee, we would love your advice as to how we could be most helpful in exploring the areas where you have identified the need for significant change.
I understand that right now the finance committee is meeting and there is a presentation from the AFN as to what you want to see in the next budget. It would be helpful for this committee to understand those immediate asks.
Obviously, closing the gap in the funding of K to 12 is something.... Last week, Bob Rae and I were with Kirsty Duncan at Six Nations. I mean, to think that 5,000 kids and young adults have received acceptance letters to post-secondary education, but won't be able to go because there's no funding, seems to fly in the face of what we know needs to happen.
I'd like to know how can we help in pushing for things to be in the budget, things that you need right now and also along the lines of sustainable funding models eventually. As well, in terms of the work of the committee, what are the complex issues you would like us to tackle here that would be most helpful in your pursuit?