Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would also like to stress that our government joins all Canadians from coast to coast to coast to wish our national team, our Team Canada, the very best of luck, with a single voice. We are proud of the entire team, and we hope that they will win gold on behalf of all Canadians.
So we're proud to support you financially because we believe in a strong national hockey team, a strong Team Canada, so that we can compete with the best in the world and win gold. While we in part support you financially, you are also an arm's-length body, an independent organization of the federal government. So the hockey team selection and the selection of team captain is the responsibility of Hockey Canada and is not something the Government of Canada has any say in. We're here today because we have been criticized for not interfering in the selection of captain to Team Canada's hockey team. That's why we supported the motion to have you appear in front of committee, to provide you with an opportunity on the parliamentary record to tell us what the case is.
So thank you very much for taking time out of your very busy schedule. I know it has taken you away from Russia to testify in front of this committee.
I have a question. Our government believes in the promotion of linguistic duality in Canada, and promotes both official languages within the Canadian sport system.
I know that as a national sport organization you've been a big supporter of our policy of official bilingualism and of ensuring access to services in French. I also know that you've been big supporter of diversity and of encouraging persons with a disability.
Could you tell us a little bit about the programs and initiatives in this regard? I know you mentioned the program Speak Out, but maybe you could tell us about other initiatives you have with regard to bilingualism, diversity, and the promotion of sport for persons with a disability.