Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will share my time with my colleagues.
Madam Minister, we are very glad to meet you this morning and to hear you speak with such conviction about the progress that is being made in an extremely difficult situation in Afghanistan. I think that you have clearly shown the link that exists between security and the progress of Afghan society, especially for women. As I am a member from the same region as yourself, I want to tell you that your earnest and heartfelt commitment to your ministry gives meaning to the intervention of our soldiers from Valcartier, who will soon be leaving to relieve the troops already there. Some 2,500 Quebec soldiers will be leaving to defend our values in Afghanistan. This is important, and I wanted to mention it to you.
You announced a microfinancing project. I would like to hear some details from you about it. Personally I think that the small sums of money are a very concrete way of making a difference. You stated that women were the main beneficiaries of the microcredit program and that the loans are being paid back. Basically, this program is not too costly.
How can this help us to make progress in Afghanistan?