Thank you, Mr. Chairman. One of my key concerns with the department surrounds our inmate programming at our correction facilities. I think there is too much of a focus on behaviour modification and anger management and these types of things which, although I agree are important, I think we have to look deeper at the root of some of these problems.

I think it stems from one's inability to function in society. I think when we see the average level of education of inmates at our facilities is between the grade levels of 4 to 6, we can understand why people, upon release, would not be able to contribute and would not be able to get gainful employment. I think that it is one thing to analyze the frustration and try to deal with behaviour modification, but if we do not give these people a reasonable chance at attaining a better life when they are released, I do not think we are going to have much success.

I think it is sort of a band-aid on the problem. I think we have to look at the cause and effect here, and really look at the root of the problem. I think we need to focus more of our attention on literacy and on adult basic education, so that inmates are functional upon their release and do not end up right back in because I can imagine, upon getting out, if you are unable to be employed, if you are unable to make the productive choices the government is asking you to make, it is frustrating. It is one thing to treat the anger and these kinds of things. To help inmates deal with the kinds of anger that they might experience, I think we have to go deeper.

I would like to urge the department to focus on programming. I know that certainly they need more room to be able to do the kinds of things they would like to do, and I think they are doing a good job in the area of culture-specific work at some of the correctional facilities. Certainly they have to refocus and I do not think the same kind of things that might be relevant in the south hold true in the North.

I do not think we need to worry about whether or not we are educating people who might become more effective criminals. I do not think that is something we need to worry about. It might be in the south, but I think that when you see alcoholism as the main reason for most of the people in our correction facilities, we realize that drinking is a result of not being able to function in society, not being able to get a job, not being able to raise a family properly. So I think we need to look at some of these things and refocus, retool and rededicate some resources to education in our facilities. I am wondering if the Minister could comment. Thank you.