Finance committee  I think the main advantage would be to demonstrate leadership with respect to a new approach in health, nationally and provincially. In other words, the advantage would be putting the focus on prevention rather than on acute care. This could be an example for Canada as a whole.

Finance committee  It may not represent an additional cost, but it certainly represents additional effort. If you look at the file on our small project, you will note that we have a training component for bilingual professionals who will provide services not only in our region but also in the regions of Saint-Claude, Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Saint-Boniface, and the French-language service network in Manitoba as a whole.

Finance committee  After all, our community comprises 600 of us, and we have already injected $1.5 million.

Finance committee  I don't think I have a great deal to say about this, because health is an area under provincial jurisdiction. Nonetheless, when it comes to the future—which is coming towards us very quickly indeed, we are told that in 10 years the provincial government will be spending 50 per cent of its budget on health care.

Finance committee  First of all, I would like to explain why we are asking the federal government to get involved.

Finance committee  Yes. We know that the cultural identity and language component are extremely important in health. We are therefore asking the federal government to do its share to help us, given that we are a minority. Our project comprises educational, library and other components. We are asking for a contribution—at least through the infrastructure system.

Finance committee  Very well. Canada's new government will focus on five key priorities for Canadians, the fifth being to deliver the health care Canadians need. Your committee is interested in proposals that will ensure Canada's place in a competitive world, starting firstly with actions which will ensure that our citizens are in good health.

Finance committee  Good morning. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you and the members of the committee for this opportunity to be here today. My name is Paul Cenerini. I am the chair of the Steering Committee of the Lourdéon Wellness Centre in Notre Dame de Lourdes.

Finance committee  I see. Mr. Chairman, does this interruption count in the two and a half minutes? May I continue?