Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I don't think that what Mr. Petit was trying to say earlier was that equalization payments for programs meant that the people receiving the money were all welfare recipients. I was somewhat affected by that remark. I don't think that's what Mr. Petit was trying to say.
Ms. Simard, in your conclusion on page 8, it states: "That is a striking example—to which we could have added the developments in the santé en français issue and the constant fight to maintain duality in education [...]".
It also states: "Such as: exhausted bank reserves; delays in project implementations; temporary closing of the organizations; decline in services offered; personnel layoffs".
I'd like you to talk to us about these problems that are so important. You are not getting money from the Canada-community agreements on time, and you have to fight with the bank in order to keep your staff. You talk about a decline in the services offered. That is why I wanted you to come before this committee. We would hope that things are better than they used to be, but that is not enough. In your brief you state that things are going well but that you do not have the money that you need in order to discharge your responsibilities. Furthermore, this is affecting the development of these communities. I would like to hear your comments on this.