Official Languages committee  I'm sorry. So the message is that there are opportunities.

Official Languages committee  It would be extremely difficult for me to answer that question. We can do calculations and we assume good faith on the part of everyone involved. Agreements are signed, but the only way to know for sure is to check back with the institutions in the provinces where there is only one intended recipient.

Official Languages committee  That's fine. My answer is that the universities in francophone Canada have quantified their needs very precisely, for example with regard to technology. We have to understand that the universities in francophone Canada were not born yesterday. The Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface will be 200 years old in a decade or so.

Official Languages committee  The universities in francophone Canada, first, are pleased with the investments in postsecondary education in general. It's a step in the right direction. That being said, we should perhaps be a little more sensitive to the impact of those systemic investments in programs aimed at excellence.

Official Languages committee  I am finished, I have come to my conclusion, which is heart-stopping, you will see.

Official Languages committee  In conclusion, the universities in Francophone Canada have taken to heart the spirit of the Official Languages Act, which is celebrating its fortieth anniversary this year. They provide opportunities to learn French as a second language for people who want that. They will continue to open their doors to anyone who wants to discover the treasures of the French language.

Official Languages committee  Thank you for inviting me, particularly at this sombre moment: the Montreal Canadiens have just fired their trainer. So there are more pressing problems elsewhere. Nonetheless I will try to answer your questions. I am going to make my presentation based on the document you have received.