Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I have the same question for all three witnesses. They can answer in the same order in which they gave their presentations. First, though, I want them to know that their opening statements were music to my ears.

Ms. Brouillette, I know you spoke with my assistant. I didn't have the chance to meet you virtually, but I'm glad we have that chance today.

Mr. Poirier, thank you for being such an ardent advocate. I really appreciated what you said about substantive equality for minority communities. You underscored the need for an asymmetrical approach.

I'll be in the House later, and we realize what communities are going through. I am a Quebecker and I recognize that you and I face the same thing; the reality is catching up to us.

Ms. Brouillette, you said the federal government has to make a concrete commitment. We aren't hear to criticize the provinces. They aren't perfect and they face constraints.

We, in the federal government, need to develop mechanisms to increase funding for the cornerstone that is Canada's linguistic duality; we need to leverage the Official Languages Act and fulfill our constitutional responsibilities. That is precisely what Mr. Bussières was talking about; he is calling on the federal government for enhanced structural support.

My question is for each of you. I'll start with Mr. Poirier.

Mr. Poirier, have you come up with mechanisms, targets and costs? Do you have a per-capita funding formula to propose? How do you think the federal government can discharge its constitutional obligation to support educational institutions on an asymmetrical basis?

Before you answer, I want to tell you that the committee began its study on the crisis facing Laurentian University, only to realize that it was the tip of the iceberg. We heard the same worrisome things from the people in Moncton. The Campus Saint‑Jean is also in the same boat.

We really feel this study will be useful.

How, then, should the federal government structure the support it provides? What mechanisms should it put in place to establish a fair and stable funding formula, one that meets the needs of minority communities?

Steven Blaney