The past is prologue, and while this community is looking forward, we should recognize that when communities have been struck so hard, like the Merritts and Princetons, they are now so far behind that there is vulnerability right across many rural and first nations communities. These communities are starting from so far behind it's like starting a race with a ball and chain on you.
Mayor Goetz, you have mentioned that DMAF has taken so long for you to be able to even apply. What do you think should happen here? Do you believe the federal government should make communities that are so far behind, like Merritt, the very first to receive funding so that you can get back to a state where you can recover?