Thank you. We just have six minutes, it will be quick.
Of course, I would like to congratulate the school board officials for their work. It is extremely important. Schools are the gathering place for the whole community and I would like to thank all the organizations that make a contribution to that in one way or another.
There is something new: for the first time, infrastructure funding is available through Infrastructure Canada. In the past, organizations always applied to Canadian Heritage for infrastructure and program funding, but it was hard to get because all the minority language communities were clamouring for it. We have now created a funding envelope for this at Infrastructure Canada and you can apply for funding. The only problem is that provincial projects will be put on a priority list. In some provinces, you have to beg to get on the list. At least you know that it exists: that will open the door to discussions for you.
As Ms. Lachance noted, the availability of spaces is a big issue. Once again, this is much more difficult for minority communities. Daycare and early childhood services are crucial. The problem is that we do not have any schools nearby. If parents truly want to send their child to a French-language school, the parents must have access to daycare before and after school. This is an extremely important argument that must be repeated as often as possible.
I can tell you that, in Nova Scotia, it is 95% due to the early childhood program that we have increased our student population by 25% across the province in the space of ten years. The total number of anglophone students has dropped by 15%, which is a 40% difference. It is true that the school board had a very good director general and very good teachers, but ultimately this was achieved by the work done on the ground.
Similarly, each of you has an extremely important role to play. I commend you and thank you for your work. We truly have a range of representatives here today, which reflects that vitality.
In closing...