Hon. Percy E. Downe: Thank you, Senator Audette for your wonderful speech. I enjoyed it immensely.

I want to bring to your attention as well that, of all the other concerns that I have heard from the Native Council of Prince Edward Island, they are also concerned about representation. They represent 1,244 members of the Native Council of P.E.I. and 3,385 Indigenous people residing off-reserve in P.E.I. They share the same concerns that have been expressed by others.

They want to make sure that the representation is there from all of the interested groups. I simply wanted to pass that on to you. It’s more than a question. The question would be: Do you agree or would you take it under advisement? We only have a few seconds left.

[Translation]

Senator Audette: I will take just a few seconds to answer. I want to believe that the people who are appointed to sit on this new board of directors will have the expertise and knowledge to serve everyone across Canada. I feel confident of that at this point in time.

(On motion of Senator Martin, debate adjourned.)

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Cordy, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dalphond, for the third reading of Bill S-246, An Act respecting Lebanese Heritage Month.