The Building Canada plan entails a very long process. Take for example the 2007 budgets. We met with Mr. Harper, Mr. Flaherty and Ms. Verner. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities also had the privilege of meeting with Mr. Baird when he was just appointed Minister of Transportation. We pointed out that since 2007, the Buildings Canada initiative was very slow. Negotiations with the provinces, the requirement to have the provinces pay one third of the total, and then making the same request to municipalities was a very long process. Mr. Baird made a commitment on behalf of his entire department to streamline this process. Gathering from what I heard earlier, and what I've already heard previously, he wants to work with the provinces and territories, all the while respecting their jurisdiction. We also respect that.
What is essential is that money be distributed quickly to the provinces. Municipalities want to work with the provinces, according to specific requirements. We're simply saying that if this money is dedicated to infrastructure, to repair water pipes in basements, and waste water systems, then it is not necessary to undertake exhaustive studies in order to deliver the goods locally. I believe that we have to implement a process that will involve people being accountable at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. We're all elected by the same people; at this moment, those people are asking us to work together.
We would also like to see procedures streamlined. For example, if I have a stretch of highway to repair, and it costs $1 to $2 million for a certain distance, tell me that I'm entitled to go ahead with the repairs, I'll tell you when I will be finished, and I'll have the backing of the auditor general and independent accountants, if you require. Those people would be able to tell you that the repairs were made, according to original plans, that the money was not used to cut taxes or any other purpose, such as removing snow, as was mentioned earlier. In fact, we want to obtain answers quickly so that our engineers and workers can get down to work.