Mr. Chair, I thank the hon. member for his question. This provides us with an opportunity to mention one of the best success stories in the Canada interchange program.
I want to reassure the hon. member that we succeed in reaching young people all across the country and from all walks of life. Our programs are just as accessible to new Canadians, young people living in rural or remote regions, young people who, economically, would not have been able to live these experiences, young people with a disability, or young aboriginals. These programs are geared to them.
In our programs and in our strategy, we want to reflect Canada in its entirety. The programs' criteria are designed to promote diversity and inclusion. The annual objective is set for underrepresented groups, based on Canadian demographics. We exceed these objectives every year.
For example, as regards participation in the programs, young aboriginals account for 6% of participants, while aboriginal people make up 5% of Canada's population. Young people in rural or remote regions account for 35% of participants, while their demographic weight is 23%. Young people with a disability account for 4%, while they represent 6% of all young Canadians. Finally, underprivileged youth account for 19% of participants, while their demographic weight is 16%. So, we reach everybody. The 2003-04 figures are about to be compiled. However, a cursory look shows that the percentages are generally the same as for 2002-03.
We are working in close partnership with service delivery organizations to reach all these groups. We are working with 4-H clubs and YMCAs, and this allows us to reach young people in rural and remote regions across Canada and also young aboriginals and underprivileged youth.
In terms of statistics—and this is important—there are 17,000 exchange opportunities for young people this year. In the end, 87% of the participants develop an increased sense of belonging to Canada.