Mr. Speaker, the work that was to be done following the departure of U.S. military forces was considered, at the time, to be normal and reasonable. Obviously, the Government of Canada recognizes its obligations with respect to the environment and we recognize that we must take all means necessary to try to clean up the sites to which my hon. colleague is referring.
I would like to point out, however, that as a general rule the American government has never paid any compensation for problems that may have occurred following its departure from military installations.
As for the situation involving Canada, we have succeeded in negotiating an agreement whereby the American government will
pay US$100 million, which is a considerable amount and which is a first. Regardless of what the Americans do in this connection, the Government of Canada will respect its environmental obligations.