Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Given the fact that the chair has asked us to be a little more focused on the supplementary estimates, Minister, I want to talk about votes 1 and 5 and the funding that has been asked for to maintain and upgrade federal infrastructure assets as they relate to the north.
I was honoured to take part in the Canadian leaders at sea program. I sailed with the navy from St. John’s to Iqaluit. I had a chance to meet with Canadian Armed Forces on the ground in Iqaluit and see some of the work they're doing, the joint training exercises they're involved in. I saw the work they were doing to support the community and to build relations up there. It is absolutely crucial work. I saw how thinly supported they were up there, and I'm delighted to see that there's some additional support planned for them. I also had a chance to meet with the rangers, as well, and see and hear of some of the amazing work they do.
Could you tell us how this funding is essential to maintaining and upgrading the assets we have in the north? Also maybe you could talk a little about the rangers program and its importance.