Education is something I'm very passionate about, having spent 31 years in the field. I worked in a number of positions, from teacher, vice-principal, and principal to supervisor, coordinator, and deputy superintendent. I spent the last 11 years of my career as superintendent of all of Nova Scotia's French-language schools. I've taught at two universities as well, so, as you can see, I've been around the block.
According to what we've heard today and over the past couple of days, the big problem with French-language education, from early childhood right through post-secondary, is section 23. It does not mention French-language education for children under the age of five or students 18 and older. That's something we need to fix somehow or, at least, find a solution to.
My questions will be short. As my fellow member Mr. Généreux so passionately mentioned, you did a good job explaining the challenges you face.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought I heard you say that not all public school students have access to core French. If that's true, I'm shocked because I thought it was mandatory. If the students aren't receiving core French classes, it means that the province doesn't get the federal funding. However, money is set aside for every child taking a core French class from grade 4 on. It's automatic. A tremendous amount of money is being lost if it's not being used. Furthermore, I thought it was mandatory, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Do I understand that correctly?