Thank you. I will speed up.
The reality of system reorganization, movement of personnel and retirement indicate, in my opinion, the necessity for a long-term commitment to training and human resource development. In the 10-year health accord concluded between the federal government and the provinces, the first ministers set an objective to increase the number of health professionals serving the minority language communities in Quebec and the rest of Canada. We feel that the federal government should respect this commitment and identify the resources to be dedicated on a recurring basis for this measure.
Evidence points to continuing demographic challenges and health status inequalities in English-speaking communities. The latest census shows high rates of aging, population decline in several regions, and high rates of low-income in English-speaking communities in a number of regions. We also know that our communities will continue having difficulties as they strive to ensure their vitality. Access to the health system is a challenge shared by both the communities and the public network. There is an additional demographic challenge in many of our communities.
Our brief therefore contains several suggestions as to future federal commitments to improve access to services in our communities.
Thank you.