Human Resources committee  I'll begin by saying that it's been a long time since my father passed me the keys to the car, and I don't want to remember the last time he did it. We are so encouraged in Nova Scotia, as we have been in the past, to work with our federal government, to work with our federal counterparts.

Human Resources committee  As equal partners at the table, equal partners in the driver's seat. I will make that analogy, but I did want to reference for the honourable member's information that we're extremely proud of our autism program in Nova Scotia. Ginny actually was one of the creators of a great pilot project that we put in place in Nova Scotia, $2.3 million specifically earmarked for children with special needs, and we will double that in this sustained plan.

Human Resources committee  I will defer to Quebec to answer that question. It's not one that I'm prepared to venture into. I'm the Minister of Community Services for Nova Scotia. I'm here to advocate on behalf of Nova Scotians and Nova Scotian families. I will leave Quebec to advocate for itself.

Human Resources committee  I can't even begin to answer that question in 30 questions. That's my favourite question, about why we didn't spend the money. I would like to request a copy of the amendments that the member referenced. It would be beneficial for us to have a look at them if they are available.

Human Resources committee  In 2005 and 2006, we funded to the creation of 194 in the first, but 294 in total for both years.

Human Resources committee  That's correct.

Human Resources committee  Thank you very much. I think I would start by repeating a statement that I made during my presentation: one size does not fit all in Nova Scotia. We recognize that there are challenges for each different region of our province. We recognize that there are challenges for income levels in our province, and we recognize that those are very real challenges for the families in Nova Scotia.

Human Resources committee  I'm going to let Virginia answer. There's some technical information that might be of assistance.

Human Resources committee  To answer the first part of the question, it's my understanding, though I wasn't in this seat at the time, that Nova Scotia was in line to receive $137 million. So that answers the first part of your question. I believe in the second part you wanted to know about the creation of seats.

Human Resources committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Good morning. My name is Judy Streatch. I have the privilege of being Nova Scotia's Minister of Community Services. I am joined today by a representative from our department to help provide Nova Scotia's view regarding Bill C-303. l would like to introduce Virginia O'Connell, director of early childhood development services.