It is very important and we have been talking about it for a number of years now.
The change to the federal gas tax fund is about the use of the funds. The wording has not changed.
Previously, municipalities could use the federal gas tax fund for a number of projects. In Quebec, a minimum of 20% of the fund came from the province and could be used for various projects. Now, that is no longer the case. We cannot use it for anything other than what is stated.
Right now, we want to reopen Canada's economy. We have an opportunity to invest money, as the government is doing.
This is a fine grant. I certainly don't want to criticize it. It is predictable funding already in place. However, it needs to be improved. It is important to allow municipalities to use it for other projects once they have dealt with drinking water and roads, for example. It is important to ensure that the roads stay in good condition for 10 or 12 years. If they stay in good condition only for one year or two, there will be problems a few years later.
There have been high water flows in various locations, particularly in Quebec, and some dams need to be upgraded. That's a municipal responsibility. Why can't we use the money for that? This is what I'm objecting to.
Earlier, I said that we had permission to use the fund to design a fire station that we were going to build. When it came time to build it, we were told that the program had changed and that we could not use the fund for that purpose.
That needs to be corrected. We would like to see more flexibility. We are not asking for more money. We are asking to be able to use that money without having to return it or impose a property tax on people.