Madam Speaker, in response to this question I would like to input the following additional information the member may not necessarily be aware of.
Last October the chairman of the Cape Breton Development Corporation came to Ottawa to inform the Minister of Natural Resources that Devco would indeed require $41 million in additional funding to operate just until March 31, 1999.
However, at that time it was also apparent that this new injection of funds into the corporation would not necessarily resolve all its difficulties. It was clear that the government's goal of commercial viability, set for Devco in 1996, was out of reach.
This meant that the federal government had to review its long term position on Devco and set a new direction. As part of that review the Minister of Natural Resources asked Devco to look at different options for its mining operations and discussions were undertaken with the stakeholders to obtain their views on a new direction for the corporation.
Many community leaders, Nova Scotia Power Inc., Devco's senior management and board, the Premier of Nova Scotia and Devco's unions provided input into the process.
On January 11, 1999 the minister accompanied by Senator Al Graham and Senator Sister Peggy Butts visited Cape Breton and had a day long meeting with the community and unions. These meetings were very important to discuss a process for determining a new direction for Devco and I understand that the hon. members from Bras D'Or and Sydney—Victoria also participated.
Again on January 28, 1999 the minister went to Cape Breton and personally addressed the miners and the community to announce the government's final decision. The Minister of Natural Resources believed it was important that he make the announcement directly to those affected.
The government has approved $111 million in funding for the human resources strategy which includes $60 million in pensions, $46 million in severances, $5 million—