Thanks for the question.
Through you, Mr. Chair, we are working actively with the alternate services group. I believe you had a representative who is a proponent of aluminum runways speak to you very recently.
There are various types of alternate surfaces. Transport Canada approved the use of thin bituminous surfaces, which is largely a Saskatchewan issue, as an alternate hard runway surface. We're working with industry. We understand the importance and the need for aircraft to land in the north. I'm pleased to say, as an RCAF veteran, that I've landed on gravel runways many times in a C-130 Hercules.
The C-17 Globemaster, the very large transport aircraft, is approved for that as well, or at least it was when I served.