I get to talk about competencies, because that's my area of expertise.
I agree with you about the more languages we have. Research has shown that when students develop more than one language, it also brings them to increased sensitivity, openness, and communication, not only to their local community but to our beautiful nation and across the world.
You were asking if I had a wish, and I think it would be around ensuring students' success. We always talk about best practices. Students and parents are at the core of great learning. We want as a school board, as schools, to help our parents, but we also need to support teachers, not only across the province but also across our beautiful nation. You asked me if I had a wish. When we're talking about French second language instruction, we need to make sure that the teachers who are teaching these programs have the competencies in reading, writing, and oral communication that will best serve their students.
This is not only in their province. This is not only in Nova Scotia. Our kids will travel our nation. When they're coming together, as an example,
for the Page Program, on Parliament Hill,
they are, as required, bilingual.
We need competent teachers who are supported and who are also aware of the programs. If you're coming into Quebec, one of our special flavours is that we have the Quebec education program, or QEP. Our QEP has special competencies. Another challenge is to make sure that outside teachers who are coming in, who we're welcoming, are also made aware of QEP, and are QEP friendly and knowledgeable, to better serve our students.