Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Ms. Thompson, the Government of Canada will pay approximately $520 million in the next five years to correct the mistakes of the past regarding radioactive contamination. Your municipality is probably concerned by this measure. This year, an extra $100 million was granted to Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. to develop the CANDU. Your municipality will host a nuclear power station, and you will have to increase safety by using firefighters or people who can administer first aid. A lot of expenses are incurred by a province or city that hosts a nuclear power station.
You gave us a very striking picture by saying that, for the City of Pickering, for example, $650 million would work out to compensation of $8,000 per person. You didn't provide a compensation figure, but, in your opinion, $650 million is not really enough.
Are you prepared to say that it is quite unfair that Canadians, through their taxes, pay the extra compensation in the event of a nuclear accident? What proposals do you have to make concerning the tribunal? That issue is a great concern for me, but we were unfortunately unable to take an in-depth look at the clauses of the bill with the officials.
If the municipality of Port Hope, for example, filed a claim for compensation with the tribunal for losses related to its water supply system or its public property, I don't know whether it would be allowed. Do you have any suggestions to make to the tribunal? You said it was independent, but do you think the municipalities might be entitled to compensation?