Thank you for your question.
I can say that the funding gap problem has been around for a long time. I would say it's been about 10 years, even more. We evaluated the situation of our small craft harbours in 2002. That analysis showed that there was a genuine lack of resources. The percentage of small craft harbours in poor condition was 20%. The figure has declined since 2002. The problem has been around for a long time. We don't know the exact amount necessary, but, as you mentioned, it's between $32 and $35 million. There is no connection with the government in power, because there have been a number in recent years.
As our minister has mentioned on a number of occasions, this program is very important for him. We're working in close cooperation with the Treasury Board and the Department of Finance in order to find additional funding for the program. I think that, in general, it's a question of government priorities. You are correct: we are convinced that the program needs more funding, but that decision is in the government's hands. We are happy that $20 million has been added to our permanent budget. In addition, $11 million was added to our budget last year, and we are entitled to that amount this year. However, there will be a small $3 million reduction next year.
We received funding last year, but it wasn't enough. I don't determine the government's priorities. Officially, we are working very hard to prepare arguments in support of new funding.