Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank all of you for taking the time to come and meet with us this morning. It's very important that we have an opportunity to discuss your concerns and challenges.
Mr. Hubert, to begin with, I would like to commend you for your cooperation — and you mentioned this at the beginning of your presentation — with the University of Moncton as regards forestry. That is certainly a clear demonstration that even though there is quite a distance between you and that you are in two separate provinces, when people are really determined, they can make great things happen. If you're interested in saying a little bit more about this later, you will have an opportunity to do so.
Mr. Hubert, you mentioned one thing in particular. Indeed, you did more than that. I almost sensed some distress as you were speaking. One doesn't have the same perspective as a Francophone from New Brunswick, where the Madawaska region is 98% Francophone. Sometimes the reality facing other communities is difficult to understand, unless you actually come into a region such as this, to see how things really are.
As you were speaking, I sensed some distress at the budget cuts that were introduced in late September. You referred specifically to the Court Challenges Program. You said that this is not just a matter of policy, and that there are major challenges to be met. I would like to hear you say more about that. You spoke in detail about your history and the difficulties you have faced in order to be able to speak impeccable French even today, in 2006. I would like you to clarify what the challenges are you're facing and the risks for your communities if we completely abolish the Court Challenges Program.