Thank you very much, Ms. Bell.
First of all, I don't believe we're increasing the funding. But that's something we can check and get back to you on. As far as I know, the funding was supposed to have remained stable. So if there is an increase, we will definitely get back to the committee and respond to you. But as far as I'm aware, the funding should be stable. There should not be any changes in the level of funding.
That funding is there because we promote the safe use of chrysotile. Chrysotile, as you know, is used in a number of products. It's not used loosely in any products. It's used in cement board or fibreboard to add strength. It's used in many countries for housing materials, where it works very well. It's a very inexpensive form for them to use in these types of building products.
Our government supports the safe use. We go through very strict measures in all of these countries where it's used to ensure it's handled properly and safely.
I've been out to the plant in Quebec. I've been through it. I've raised these concerns personally with the people in the industry. I went out and I've seen it first-hand. They package this material in packaging that, when it's used, goes straight into a machine that actually shreds the packaging in a contained area, so there's literally no dust, no fibres.
I appreciate that some of the ads out there might suggest otherwise, but they do take this very seriously. Our government believes it's important to put funding in place to support the safe use of chrysotile, and that's our position. That's been the position of this government for some time, and it remains unchanged.