Official Languages committee  Thank you.

Official Languages committee  He's a good man.

Official Languages committee  Mahsi, Mr. Chair. Obviously we are receiving funds to operate and provide services in our 11 official languages: nine aboriginal languages, French, and English. Of course, we'd like to see more. That's our dream, and that's our hope. That's what I've been pushing for. We appreciate the funding we are currently receiving.

Official Languages committee  Mr. Chair, that particular question has been addressed to the heritage minister. We work closely with the office. The request has been made. We are still working with the federal government. When it comes to infrastructure in the Northwest Territories, we have to involve the federal government.

Official Languages committee  Mr. Chair, this is an area that has been a challenge for us. But I can say today that we continue to work with the federal government. I'm certainly hoping that they'll be our true partner as we move forward. That's the plan we've had in the past, and we'll continue to strengthen it with the federal government.

Official Languages committee  Correct.

Official Languages committee  Definitely: that's always been our goal. Again, the previous speakers as well are reaching out to outside of Canada to try to have some immigrants with a French background come to the Northwest Territories in order to use them as interpreters or translators in our communities. So we'll definitely continue to work with the Department of Health and Social Services, which is also fully aware.

Official Languages committee  Mahsi for that question. That's an area in which we've always tried to work closely with health and social services. That's one department that we work with. Of the $1.7 million that's contributed annually from the federal government, most of the money obviously, as you've stated, goes to the languages, to the school boards we work with, to have them delivered in the schools and communities.

Official Languages committee  As I've stated before, this is a small community compared to other larger jurisdictions where I've heard that they don't even have the opportunity to meet with their ministers or deputies. I'm clearly aware of that as well. We have a very tight-knit community and we do share facilities as well.

Official Languages committee  Mr. Chair, it could be a little bit more, but it's around that number.

Official Languages committee  Mr. Chair, mahsi. In regard to those areas that have been highlighted, obviously we want to expand into other communities as well. On the policy itself, we work closely with the communities. As has been indicated by previous speakers, this is a close, tight-knit community, and we all know each other and call ourselves cousins.

Official Languages committee  Mahsi, Mr. Chair. [Witness speaks in the Tlicho language] First of all, Mr. Chair, I'd like to welcome you and thank you for coming to the Northwest Territories. I believe this is your first official visit. I'm sure it won't be the last. I'm hoping that you guys will come back again.