Thank you, Madam Chair.
I wish I could give you more statistics other than what Mike has already given. But these are our key messages.
One, our biggest concern is about the stimulus package and what happens after it's gone. We're worried about a long-term infrastructure deficit and how to fix it.
Two, we cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the 1990s when federal and provincial governments pushed deficits off their balance sheets and into the local streets. Key investments such as the gas tax fund, GST rebate, and cost infrastructure programs must be maintained to protect our quality of life and strengthen our economy.
Three, in the near term, all orders of government must commit to keep the stimulus plan on track and put every single dollar to work in communities across the country. I think we all agree on that.
Four, to keep the stimulus plan on track, governments must continue to work together and show flexibility. Of course, it's a tripartite union to put these projects there. It's the federal government, the provincial or territorial governments, and of course the municipalities. Everybody has to be pulling in the same direction.
Thank you.