Mr. Speaker, absolutely. The ELA must continue. It is a pittance. We have seen three research stations being cut for $1.5 million to $2 million. Will the Conservative government cut internationally renowned research stations, such as ELA, PEARL and perhaps Kluane, for between $1.5 million and $2 million per year? It approved tens of millions of dollars in economic action plan advertising, even as it cited fiscal restraint.
For $1.5 million, taxpayers might have learned more about ozone depletion—the first large Arctic ozone hole, which was two million square kilometres, was discovered in 2011—and other indications of significant Arctic change. For $2 million, Canadians might have learned more about solutions to problems that affect lakes, fish populations and drinking water.
The question that begs to be asked is, what did Canadians receive in return for their investment in economic action plan ads?