That leads me to believe that the government's intention wasn't to completely abolish the university but rather to postpone its introduction.
Earlier you talked about favourable circumstances. Here you have a fantastic and extraordinary chance, and I hope you'll seize it. From what I understand, we're talking about approximately $80 million in funding over a period of 10 years. If the federal government is prepared to invest $40 million, then you'll have to come up with another $40 million. Have you considered raising $35 million from the private sector? Over 10 years, that would mean $3.5 million a year, a paltry amount. We discussed that earlier with Mr. Jolin. To get yourselves out of this crisis, you could tell the provincial government it would only have to provide $5 million over the next 10 years—that's $500,000 a year—and the project would be on its way.
I think Ontario has made a misguided decision that will truly undermine the project, but I think we can solve the problem. I did an online search on donations received by Bishop's University, in Sherbrooke, and I saw on its fundraising page that it had raised $40 million from 2012 to 2018, in addition to the $5 million in annual donations it receives. It has collected $60 million on its own, even though it's a small university.
I think you have an extraordinary chance here. Go and see Ms. Meilleur, the former Ontario Minister of Francophone Affairs, and ask her to head up your fundraising campaign. I guarantee you'll collect $3.5 million in three days. I can give you $100 right now. Wait a minute; I'll see what I have in my pocket.