Before I begin, I'd like to thank my colleague, who was my teacher during my first year on this committee. She encouraged me in my efforts to speak French. I couldn't speak a word of French at first, but now I can express myself in acceptable French and I want to practise it.
The infrastructure program is very important.
By investing in infrastructure, we've also expanded economic opportunities for Canadians and their families. That's very important because it also improves quality of life.
The quality of our environment also improves when we invest in green infrastructure and water treatment plants for communities. This is very important because it also affords more opportunities to use public transit. It also makes it possible to construct new buildings as well as recreational and cultural infrastructure that supports heritage.
When we make these kinds of investments, we improve quality of life, the environment and economic opportunities. We also create jobs for Canadians, and that's good for the entire country.