The province has continued to fund these services. So there is not only the issue of federal funding, we also need access points. These measures are essential.
In closing, I have four suggestions to make to improve the current system.
First, more money is needed in the current envelope, and, as was mentioned earlier, we need gradual, incremental funding, not only a lump sum over five years, because there are emerging needs and growth is very difficult to manage.
Second, management by a third party, such as a community foundation, is, in my opinion, a winning formula that ensures that we are accountable to taxpayers while giving us decision-making powers over the allocation of funding. I will be pleased to answer questions on this topic if there are any.
Lastly, there is the issue of provisions concerning official languages in the entire federal-provincial agreement. I cannot emphasize this enough: it is important to open the door to communities so that they can work with the provinces. It works for us, even in Alberta, where sometimes, federal-provincial cooperation can lead to tension. Those are my closing remarks.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.