Mr. Speaker, I begin by saying that in the government's recent announcement of the youth employment and learning strategy we stated that we would work in close collaboration with all the provinces in the implementation of the approaches and specific programs for young Canadians. In saying this the government is committed to assisting Canada's youth through programs that complement those offered by the provinces.
Quebec has a very different apprenticeship program from those in all other provinces. In Quebec those who wish to learn a trade attend a CEGEP for two or three years and then seek out an employer. In other provinces a person who wants to learn an apprenticeship trade must find an employer who is willing to employ and to train him or her. As a result Quebec does not require nearly as many funds for apprenticeship as do other provinces. Therefore funds are allocated where they are most needed, such as for the forms of vocational training offered at CEGEPs.
In addition Quebec still receives more than its fair share for the province's youth through regular employment programs and services, as well as through special current initiatives such as the joint management of co-operative education and project based training courses which are jointly delivered with the SQDM.
We will continue to work with the province of Quebec to set priorities for our youth programs and, where possible, we will harmonize our programs with those of the province of Quebec.