Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the government for establishing another national infrastructure program and on committing up front the federal share of the funds.
The municipalities of Canada are enthusiastic participants in this program. We are currently negotiating with the provinces.
I urge that the definition of infrastructure be left to the municipalities. They know where the need is greatest. They know where funds are best allocated.
The government conducted an excellent national infrastructure program involving the provinces and municipalities in 1994. It worked well with the municipalities selecting projects subject to clearly defined criteria and control.
Let us build on the experience of that excellent program. The municipalities need help soon with their infrastructure projects.