Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you, Minister, for coming. I'm glad we're already getting into a bit of a discussion about regional economic development. As you know, it's something I often speak to you about. And I know it's something that's important to you, since you represent a rural Ontario riding, as do I.
I want to talk a little bit about the eastern Ontario development program. It was first announced back in 2006 by the Prime Minister. Now we have seen commitments in terms of longer-term funding for that program. Maybe you could expand a little bit on how you feel about the community futures program and how it's working in Ontario, as well as on how you feel about the eastern Ontario development program.