In my opinion, networking is the cornerstone of this strategy. It allows the communities to bring to the table not only the health professionals from their regions, but professionals from the provinces and territories as well. The dialogue provides an environment in which confidence can be quickly developed, one that would not exist otherwise. It allows the parties to define their priorities. The federal government is not alone in investing in government services in French. The provinces and territories are doing this as well, and their investments are significant.
We have created a place for discussion where people can meet, talk with one another and see different points of view. Considering its federal-provincial-territorial baggage, it would have been very difficult for the federal government to sit down at the table with provincial and territorial civil servants and tell them that a little money was available and that they had to decide jointly how to spend it. It is better when the provinces interact directly with the communities, without interference from the federal government. The role of the federal government has been to make this small investment, which has resulted in a number of positive outcomes.
A study carried out by the Francophone advisory committee will be published in the near future. The study shows that in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, British Colombia and the Yukon, the relationships between the provinces, territories and communities are now rated as good or very good.
When people listen to and understand each other, they always manage to find solutions. The federal government is also investing in training. An example of this is the French courses being offered to the people of New Brunswick. Thanks to this initiative, the provincial government and the University of Moncton have decided to build a centre to deliver this training with their own money. The cost has nearly reached $3 million. This ongoing dialogue between the provinces and the communities is helping to form partnerships. This could not have been achieved by public servants.