Mr. Minister, you already have a good idea of one of the three questions that I have for you. Good afternoon to everyone who is with you, including Ms. Jauvin, who was not there when we visited Nunavik.
Mr. Minister, this is separate from the question I asked you in the House about the food mail program. Three years ago, we suggested that the pilot project be implemented in all the communities. The cost of doing that was fairly high but minimal when compared with the cost of maintaining Canada's roads. In fact, it cost approximately $600 million to implement the pilot project in all the communities.
Currently, in announcements regarding the budget, you plan to reduce the number of gateways for the core program only, from 20 to 5 gateways. The only study we were allowed to see is a bit contradictory and should be considered with caution.
Can you tell me whether you are able to put together a program within a timeframe that you can share with us today? As a committee, can we obtain feedback from the various stakeholders so that we can give you suggestions even before a final report is released?
In terms of housing in Nunavik, 1,000 units are needed. This week, we found out that you negotiated with Quebec and have agreed on 340 housing units. Internationally, we have a very poor reputation when it comes to Inuit and first nations housing.
Have you earmarked money for Kitcisakik? In fact, last summer, I invited you to meet with the people of Kitcisakik. I was even willing to stay in the background if you felt that my presence was undesirable. Can you tell me whether, in your current budget, you have allocated money that could apply to Kitcisakik?
Those are my three questions. Since you have no problem expressing yourself, I will let you go. And, I would like you to answer in French, as promised.