Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Welcome to our witnesses. It is not the first time that we have had the opportunity to discuss these issues.
This is all rather confusing. We are talking about a national public transit strategy, but infrastructure and funding are related realities. Do you favour a comprehensive approach rather than a strategy that is strictly limited to public transit? Should we not instead find a new way to manage the relationships between municipalities and the other levels of government? We are talking about the first approach here.
Regarding the second approach, I recognize that the needs are primarily in municipalities. We must think very seriously about an indexed gas tax fund. However, regarding the money that will come later, for example from the Government of Canada, do you favour a dedicated fund or a consolidated fund? If a dedicated fund is created, you will have to invest solely in an agreed area. If we opt for a consolidated fund, it will once again come down to the relationship between municipalities and the government, regarding the money paid by the government.
In everything we are discussing and will eventually discuss, I have the impression there is a problem of governance—the relationships between levels of government—and the way we ensure accountability.
I would first like to know what approach you prefer. Then I will have other more specific questions.