Madam Speaker, I know there are others who want to ask questions so I will keep my questions very short.
Last week I had the opportunity to meet with a number of aboriginal leaders from central British Columbia. They pointed out two serious concerns that they faced, recognizing the need for empowerment and the fact that they feel they can solve so many of the challenges facing them on their own, but they do need further education and training. A number of individuals living on reserves indicated that they simply are not able to access funding for education, particularly at the post-secondary level. It is a serious problem.
Second, native young people who see part of the answer to be through friendship centres are complaining about the dramatic lack of funding to support the programs in the friendship centres.
Could my hon. friend comment on these two areas where yes, there is support today, but I think she would also agree that the funding is seriously underfunded in terms of the challenges and the needs there? What hope can she give that changes are in the offing?