RDÉE funding comes from the Service Canada Enabling Fund. In view of the cuts that have been made, we are wondering whether the funding will be renewed in 2008.
The direction taken by the New Brunswick RDÉE is to act as the intermediary and analyst for possible projects, in addition to being the coordinator, because we already have a number of infrastructures. The New Brunswick RDÉE definitely has an extremely positive impact on economic development and employability.
Is ACOA making a contribution? Yes. All of the federal, provincial and municipal authorities are working hand-in-hand with the RDÉEs.
We are worried about the renewal in 2008 of the Service Canada Enabling Fund. Needless to say, the RDÉE had some difficult moments a few years ago. Will it be renewed? Given that the francophone community was not consulted before the cuts were decided upon, will it be consulted when the time comes for renewal? I think we need to begin talking about this.