Let's talk about our expectations.
Our first expectation is that the concern we just voiced will prove unfounded, and a future road map will be developed, embraced, funded, and enforced by this government, securing the place of future ententes, and moving forward from the end of the current ones in 2013.
In the short time available today we think that QESBA must echo an expectation that is longstanding and was reinforced only last weekend at an important and inspiring gathering of some 185 community partners organized by the Quebec Community Groups Network. Mr. Chair, we were honoured by your presence and encouraged by your words at that event. We even got to shake your hand over coffee, which was nice. You stayed for a while, and it was very noticeable.
Our second expectation is for equity. The gathering produced a draft declaration of very progressive priorities for the future of English-speaking Quebec. It won't satisfy everybody, but at least it is a central communication. It was adopted in principle in a spirit of real optimism and strength. But to move further there must be equitable federal funding and support for the visions outlined in that declaration for community building; inclusion of English speakers of all origins, mother tongues, and cultures; expanded research; and economic development and guaranteed service access in English.
Canada's English-speaking minority community has benefited from a founding presence and a critical population mass around the city of Montreal. No doubt a dispersed francophone community across Canada has not had that luxury, and we recognize that. Nonetheless, our diverse needs are there, and they must be addressed equitably.
Based on the measure of first official language spoken, our total population is roughly equivalent to that of francophone Canada outside of Quebec. The needs are there, particularly when in the region there are six-year-olds on school buses for as long as two and a half hours a day or more. Students are waiting for appointments with school psychologists and speech therapists for years, not months. There are still challenges in renewing our communities and encouraging newcomers to join us.
We are looking for equitable support from our federal government as QESBA joins other community partners in addressing these challenges.
Thank you. We look forward to exchanging with you. Please do not be shy about asking us any questions.