I'll make a start on answering this and will then give the floor to Mr. Goulet.
Governments often bounce the problem back to the municipalities, and tell them that the process is too slow. However, what the municipalities repeatedly ask for is predictability.
The federal government tells us that money available this year and that it is prepared to invest. It then asks us why the projects are not moving forward.
It's important to understand that the process of undertaking a major project requires several years. There is zoning and land use planning. The launch of a big project has to be planned. Residents also need to be consulted. We have obligations when any zoning changes are made. People have the right to express their opinion at each of these stages.
When the federal or provincial government decides on the spur of the moment to provide funding, it doesn't work.
That's why we prefer a model like the one used in the fuel tax program, for example. This tax applies on a five-year basis, which provides predictability. The funds can be used right away and reimbursed later. That's the kind of initiative that works.
Things have to be predictable. Major projects are so unwieldy that it's difficult to make changes overnight. If the land use and zoning issues are assessed ahead of time, and then discussed with residents, we can achieve something. Otherwise, the various levels of government will continue to toss the ball back and forth. When we get to the final stages, people will say that the building costs have skyrocketed and that the labour is not available.
There have to be systems in place. The housing problem could have been anticipated. It's as if everyone became more aware of it than ever over the past year.