Thank you, Mr. Chair.
This is to whichever one of you would like to answer a question about our aboriginal population. The minister mentioned in his remarks that there is currently a shortage of some 20,000 skilled trade individuals to fill positions, on the way to perhaps 50,000.
You folks will know that the only segment of Canada's population that is on the increase is the aboriginal sector. You'll know, as well, that the unemployment rate among aboriginals is significantly higher than in any other population group.
I'm just wondering, then, particularly with respect to development in the energy sector--the oil and gas sector, in particular, perhaps mining--what concrete plans there are to stimulate economic activity in our first nations communities, because as you know, unless a community has some economic stimulus or economic activity, it isn't going anywhere.
Can you address that? What concrete steps are being taken or are planned?