Thank you, Mr. Chair. Here we are back at work; once more into the breach, as they say.
First, for the record, I would like to express my disappointment at not seeing the deputy minister here today. You started by saying that this matter was a priority for her. It is a priority for us too. When a matter is a priority, we act accordingly. I am disappointed that the deputy minister can only grace us with her presence in December. I will be able to tell her so personally, but I would also like to make it known today that, in my opinion, it makes no sense.
I know that the committee and people who live this situation every day have worked diligently to make the minister aware. I feel that a significant level of awareness has been reached in the last few months. I saw this as positive, but I am beginning to doubt whether the minister is really interested in moving the matter forward. If the new deputy minister is not interested either, that is not a good start. I hope that she will be able to answer my questions on the subject.
But I feel that the questions from my colleague and your answers attest to the fact that, without a massive investment, the situation is going to get worse. In other words, what cost $400 million in 2004 now costs $480 million according to your estimates. I would suggest that it is even more. So the situation is getting worse because not enough money is being spent on maintenance. I see that as irresponsible. In a way, the inevitable is already happening. Wharves are closed and out of bounds to fishing vessels because of concerns that they are not safe. Fences have been erected as a result.
I am not going to ask you to express your opinion on the matters that interest or concern the deputy minister. But I would like to know if it is your impression that we are heading for the point of no return if changes are not made.