Finance committee  There are a couple of things I want to respond to. First of all, I'm a firm believer in the big universities doing what they're doing. It is very, very important for us as a nation to have that strength of the large research universities pushing the agenda the way they are; but we also have to recognize that the regional universities have a real responsibility on the ground in doing things that can't necessarily be done.

Finance committee  Thank you very much for the opportunity to address the standing committee. I bring regrets from our chancellor, Chief Shawn Atleo, who is unable to be with us today. We had hoped he could be, but it's not possible. I'd also like to thank the Government of Canada for the knowledge infrastructure funds that we and other institutions across the country have received.