Thank you for your question, Mr. Crête.
Since I was sworn in as minister, I have become acquainted with the program and the criticisms made against it. Some concern accountability, transparency and the repayment of funds that had been granted to certain businesses. We made a number of reports public, including the external audit reports. For the first time, we've posted fund repayments on our Web site. We have ensured that the accountability and transparency that characterize our government also apply to Industry Canada. I'm very proud of that. Furthermore, over the summer, we drafted a new contract that businesses receiving government funding will have to comply with. This is resulting in more transparency and accountability.
The general public will even be able to judge the effectiveness of what the government invests in this program. I've told industry people on a number of occasions at meetings that we were evaluating this program and its relevance. Why? Because the terms developed by the former government terminate on December 31. The industry people asked me the same question as you, whether there would be a new program. This is an important industry. These people were asking and are still asking for a program. They noted the fact that all OECD countries with a developed aeronautics industry subsidize it, whether it's through military procurement policies or industrial policies. They manage to ensure that their programs comply with World Trade Organization rules.
We've announced projects, among others the implementation of an Alcan project last spring. Industry Canada is reviewing other projects. I'm also going to discuss action that should be taken on this program with my colleagues.