Since the last time you were here, I have noticed that the questions and discussion have shifted away from the scientific aspect and now focus almost exclusively on the economic side of things.
I would like to refer to something you said earlier. You said that the $312 million had not produced any positive results and that the money would be misused if left there. Mr. Wong's answer ties in with my question.
There are species in my riding that have been listed as “species at risk”. I saw that Environment Canada did not even take them into account, rather, the community as a whole did. That was not mentioned. I think you shot yourself in the foot earlier when you said that there was nothing to show for the $312 million that was spent.
I take issue with that, and I would like to hear your comments. The community has produced results. People realized that certain species needed to be saved. They joined forces with farmers, lobby groups, and hunting and fishing groups. They worked with all the groups on site. So I would not say that $312 million was wasted in my riding, or even $1 million. I think your financial investment did indeed help to protect an ecosystem.
And I would like some confirmation from you that we did see those kinds of results.