On that note, I would like to thank you for appearing before our committee. As a member of Parliament, it makes a difference—and my colleagues will probably agree—when you actually visit a region, see for yourself what the distances represent, learn about the communities, visit the facilities and see for yourself what is missing. We have an Official Languages Act that talks about equality for the two language groups. But equality cannot exist if there is not the same infrastructure or the same services.
I also want to congratulate you on the work you're doing. It's almost a mission. There is a reason why some people decide not to stay here. After a while, they are burnt out; they say to themselves that they don't need this and they go somewhere else. The population is constantly turning over. So, I want to commend those of you who have been living here for a number of years.
Whether the government is conservative, liberal or new democrat, it makes no difference. Every government has a responsibility towards its citizens, including the aboriginal people. First Nations people tell us that all they want is to preserve their language. As an Acadian, I understand what that means. It's a constant battle. We have been in Canada for more than 400 years now, but we're still fighting. Other people don't have to fight. Services are offered to them automatically. So, I commend you once again and want to extend my thanks.