Thank you very much for the question, Mr. Chair.
I can advise you that the funding included in these supplementary estimates for the Jacques Cartier Bridge and the Champlain Bridge is required essentially for repairs and deck replacement for the Honoré Mercier Bridge and the Champlain Bridge. This is part of a ten-year program to ensure the integrity and safety of the bridges.
The funds that are in these supplementary estimates have in fact been reprofiled from a previous year due to revised work plans and some delays in terms of contractor work. It took them longer to complete some of the work.
With regard to the first phase of the Honoré Mercier Bridge, I can certainly indicate that the work had been completed in the first part of the contract. The re-decking is continuing and will continue into the next year. This is part of the overall program to ensure the safety and integrity of the bridges. The intention is that this work will continue to ensure the integrity of the bridges.
Of course, the government and the Minister of Transport did announce in October the government's intention to build a new bridge to replace the Champlain Bridge. Work will take place, and there will certainly be consultation with all the appropriate stakeholders, and all the work required to actually be able to move forward with a new bridge will be done.
In the meantime, every effort and the resources are being put into this so that we can ensure the integrity and safety of the existing structures.