Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Welcome, Minister, to this committee.
I know you mentioned the numerous infrastructure programs that have taken place across the country, and I can say to you that in my riding of Souris—Moose Mountain a number of projects have been well received by municipalities. Of course, there is always great need in the infrastructure area, and we've had two major projects in my city with respect to the gas tax fund. In talking to the city manager and the mayor, I know their particular issue was one of flexibility with respect to how they might apply the fund and where they might apply it. Generally, I can say the municipalities throughout the constituency received what we've done with respect to the gas tax very well, not only the doubling of it, the indexing of it, but the extension of it.
One of the factors they've talked to me about is the flexibility they may have to do what they need to do to grow their communities. Infrastructure is always a significant part of that.
In talking to the stakeholders—and you said you've talked to many of them—what were their views with respect to the options that might be available to them concerning the gas tax refund?