Thank you, Mr. Minister, for being here. I'd also like to thank you for the work and effort made by your department to improve and modernize our transportation system. The construction of the Champlain Bridge, which is a source of national and international pride, comes to mind. Again, thank you.
With respect to the supplementary estimates, as I understand it, part of the funds from the sale of Transport Canada's surplus properties will be used to ensure that the former owners of lands expropriated in Mirabel in 1969 will have the opportunity to buy back those lands.
Could you explain in further detail why it is important for your department and the Government of Canada to offer these people the opportunity to buy back the lands in question?