Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I want to thank my colleagues for being here today.

I have so many questions that I don't know where to start. My team told me not to provide too much background information. However, I want to make one point before I ask my questions.

Bill C‑13 supported the recognition of early childhood and post‑secondary education in the minority language. This is a first in Canadian history. There had never been any references to it before. When this issue was raised, the governments said that section 23 of the charter didn't include early childhood and post‑secondary education at all. For the first time in Canadian history, we can find these references. I think that the bill refers to post‑secondary education four times. Early childhood education comes up in part 1 of the bill. It's in proposed subsections 41(3), 41(6) and 93.1(1.2) of the Official Languages Act, which talk about indicators and measures.

For the first time, you have power in your tool box. That's remarkable. It's all down to your hard work.

In reality, the approach in Canada for the past 50 years was a recipe for failure. It was impossible to succeed. However, we didn't talk about it because we lacked the power. Today, we have that power and we must talk about it. The current and future governments must give you substantial support.

That said, I'll now ask some quick questions.

My first question is quite specific. Does the addition of day care spots for $10 help parents of francophone children in minority communities in Canada?

Darrell Samson

$394,470.00