You mentioned it was this week's report and you quoted it was the 2007-08 fiscal year, but of course it was not the period for which I was minister. However, I was a member of the cabinet and I did look at the challenges we've had in recent years.
You mentioned the previous infrastructure program, the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, which I think by all accounts was well received by provinces and territories. It was announced in budget 2001. However, even by 2003 not a single dollar was spent because we have had to negotiate contribution agreements, framework agreements, with every province and territory.
I'll tell you specifically what we've done, because like you I'm not satisfied. I think there is a need for speed at this critical time in our economic history. So here's specifically what we're doing with the new programs we've come forward with in the budget.
I'll talk first about the $4 billion stimulus fund. We will not be negotiating contribution agreements and framework agreements with provinces and territories, so we can move right to end game. We're not going to require a separate federal environmental assessment--