Mr. Speaker, there has been federal assistance for highways going back to 1919. In fact, we have about $2.3 billion in programs now entrained which will last until 2003. In the case of Ontario, I believe about $213 million is in the current program, which will expire next year.
The availability of funds is always a key question and obviously the hon. member knows that we have been trying to balance the financial books of the government. When the finances are in order, I hope that the government will be able to spend once again on highway construction beyond the present agreements.