Thank you.
This report, beginning on page 1, really is quite troubling because this report begins by pointing out that in 2003 the Auditor General found that federal heritage properties were at risk. It went on to talk about a number of problems. At that time, in 2003, Canadian Heritage and Parks Canada agreed to strengthen the legal framework to conserve heritage properties. They agreed to work with the Treasury Board of Canada to define what type of information to collect and how to appropriately assess and report on the conditions.
Then, four years later, in 2007, the Auditor General found that it didn't happen. Here we are another 12 years later finding out again the shortcomings.
When departments have to come back repeatedly following these kinds of reports, it's troubling to Canadians. The departments here have accepted the findings of the Auditor General. Canadians would ask, how do we have any confidence, with the assurances we're going to receive today, that we're not going to be back here in two years, three years, five years, 10 years hearing the same concerns raised again?
Mr. Nadler, please explain why we are here in 2019 hearing the same problems that have been identified over time.