Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this House today to mark the first national computers for schools day.
This initiative, which brings together volunteers, companies and governments, will provide surplus computer equipment and software to public schools and libraries across Canada. Through this unique program, Canadian schoolchildren will be able to develop the skills necessary to meet job market requirements.
There is a fly in the ointment, however, regarding this program to equip schools with computers: Quebec schoolchildren will not be able to take advantage of the program, as the PQ government has refused to take part in it. Faced with the prospect of $700 million in cuts in the area of education, how can the Government of Quebec afford not to join in this partnership, thereby depriving young Quebecers of a privileged access to computer resources?