Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Certainly the issue of targets was discussed with the standing committee. In our business plans, the standing committee did point out that they wish to have this addressed on a better basis. So we are well aware of this area of concern and to look at targets.
I believe I stated at the time that if we are going to look at setting targets, we must be realistic. We have to take certain areas and perimeters into consideration of how and are the targets achievable.
With regard to the teacher levels, to try and reach a 50 percent or a representative work force in the teacher education program...basically, what is being said in the goal is that we will have 50 percent aboriginal teachers in our schools by the year 2003.
Last night, I did some calculations on this, Mr. Chairman. I discussed it again with my officials this morning. There is certainly a good objective here that we strive for and we will continue to strive for that objective. That has been set. Can it be achieved? If it cannot be achieved that particular year, what year can it be achieved? That is a big question, because we have to take into consideration, where we will get the graduates to move into the system. If today, for example, I believe our figure may be around 23 percent. Then it means that we will have to increase our teaching force by approximately 200 hundred aboriginal teachers. Can that be done in the next three years through the teacher education program? That is a very high objective, Mr. Chairman.
I need more time before I can commit to say that it will be in place by 2003. Not to diminish the goal that we are concentrating on, and to ensure that we continue to address the need to achieve that goal. Thank you.