Mr. Speaker, the member for Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert has often expressed her concern about Economic Development Canada's participation in financing costs associated with the development of the Saint-Hubert airport area, particularly with repairs to the main runway of the Saint-Hubert airport.
The project is expected to cost about $86 million. The Economic Development Agency of Canada has a budget of about $200 million, and the minister believes that the amount requested by the airport authority is very high.
Economic Development Canada has agreed to facilitate negotiations among the principal parties. This does not rule out the financial participation of Economic Development Canada or other federal department partners.
As with any other request, this one will be subject to thorough analysis according to the Economic Development Agency of Canada's eligibility criteria.