Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Mr. Jeanes, for your introductory speech. I also want to thank you for acknowledging the large investment that has come from this government over the past number of years for infrastructure, specifically for transportation and transit. Over the last number of years I've attended several announcements, so I know the funding has gone into key areas.
Speaking of Budget 2011, back in June it was announced by the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities that we were going to be working with mayors as well as community and municipal leaders right across the country. We've made a strong commitment to continue with funding over the next number of years.
Building Canada is a $33 billion, seven-year plan that's set to expire in 2014. Based on the information that's come out in Budget 2011 and the announcement by the minister, I think we're going to have a commitment to continue with the funding.
We're talking about a national transit strategy here. Given the commitment we've already made, that we're willing to work with the mayors and the municipal leaders right across Canada, do you not agree that the context of any strategy should be included in the commitment we've already made? Or do you believe it's something separate? If so, at what cost would that be?