Thank you very much, and I'd like to thank our guests today. I think the testimony you provide is very thoughtful and very helpful in this discussion.
Through you, Mr. Chair, I think Mr. Guimond is correct. I don't think challenging research is ever a bad thing. I think that's a healthy dialogue, and hopefully it gets us to the truth. I believe the issue, even with us, with limited time, is aggressively criticizing the data without the opportunity for someone to respond. So I appreciate that you've had a chance to do that.
I have some questions. I'd like to gear them, though, to Mr. Rosero, because I find his comments helpful and thoughtful.
As I do this, I'm compelled by a few things. It's my understanding, never having visited Colombia, that violence has seemingly decreased, including mass killings, which have decreased by over 80%. Trade union murders have decreased significantly, and I pray to God that's true. Kidnappings have decreased over the last number of years. Homicide rates have dropped dramatically.
These things strike me. Moderate poverty has fallen and extreme poverty has fallen again--again from some of the research I've done. I think Colombia can be a model for education in many countries in the world: 94% of the population have their basic education and 31% are in higher education. I think those are very important things.
The level of unemployment in Colombia is 11.3%, and there are some countries that would be delighted with those kinds of numbers. I will tell you that our numbers aren't that far different in this country.
We've also provided significant aid, through CIDA particularly.
Perhaps, Mr. Rosero, with our limited time...I have some very brief questions. Not to be silly, but could I ask you this sincerely, sir: do you believe that Canada is a friend of the Colombian people? I ask that as a sincere question, Señor Rosero.