Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I would like to welcome Mr. Vaillancourt and Mr. Bélanger. Please accept our apologies for delaying your presentation.
To begin with, I would like to establish a few principles. My role is not to defend the government. I very much appreciate the fact that you presented your position with diplomacy and elegance. However, for the benefit of Canadians all across the country, it is important there be a clear understanding of the rules or parameters for this program.
So, I would like to ask a question that may seem a little delicate. Did all the municipalities submit projects to take advantage of an opportunity or to meet a specific need?