Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you to my colleague, Mr. Rogers, for his question and his advocacy.
He and many of his Newfoundland colleagues keep reminding me—not that I need to be reminded—of the importance of Marine Atlantic. Our government is committed to continuing to work with Marine Atlantic on delivering the service that Canadians and Newfoundlanders expect of it.
Through the supplementary estimates, Marine Atlantic Inc. is seeking access to $4.7 million. It's sourced from funding that lapsed last year and has been brought forward to 2022-23 through a re-profile request. This funding could not be spent last year, due to a variety of projects being delayed by supply chain and scheduling issues.
You asked me about a specific example of what these projects include. They include $1.9 million allocated to shore-based projects, such as the replacement of the Port aux Basques terminal roof, the re-cladding of one of the fuel tanks, repairs to the loading ramp and some security enhancement. There is $1.7 million associated with the required vessel maintenance. There is $1.1 million allocated to the purchase of electric vehicles that were ordered in 2021-22, but will not be delivered until the end of 2022-23.
The funding is required to meet legal obligations of signed contracts and the maintenance required to keep Marine Atlantic's physical infrastructure in working condition. This funding will allow Marine Atlantic to continue to meet its mandate of providing Canadians with the essential service they deserve.