Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the hon. member's question because this member, the member for Peterborough, has been a staunch supporter of this program and a strong advocate because he knows and I know and all of the people in rural eastern Ontario know how important this program is to support economic development in our communities. It supports projects and businesses that otherwise would not be supported. There are many jobs today in rural eastern Ontario because of this fund, and I am delighted that the Minister of Finance would make this a five-year commitment, the longest we have ever had.
In the House of Commons on March 26th, 2013. See this statement in context.