Finance committee  Yes, a gas tax would be faster, but we'll follow the rules. We want to find a way to simplify the rules right now, and we can put people to work. Like you, we have the objective of putting people to work, and if we can do it faster, the better it will be. I will finish on this, Mr.

Finance committee  Yes, Mr. Carrier, public transit is important to all Canadian communities. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is extremely happy with the astronomical sum that we have before us today. We are talking about billions of dollars. We must find some way to distribute this funding quickly.

Finance committee  Well, I said it a few minutes ago. I think flexibility is the word that should be used. You know that there is $15 billion already committed, that has been accepted in all municipal budgets. You were a city councillor before. When it's passed, it's very difficult, and it takes a lot of time.

Finance committee  Yes, sir, for 15 years. And 12 years--

Finance committee  I have a list here of all the cities that have said they have many projects ready to go. If they have an acknowledgment by the province and the federal government of new funding, they'll be able to do more jobs than they already have. This year we have $15 billion of investment by municipalities.

Finance committee  Projects are ready, and not all the cities--Toronto, Montreal, or every other one, smaller ones--say they have the third right now. I think it would be difficult. If we have flexibility from the government, as I said before, I would prefer to pay one-third than to pay three-thirds of it.

Finance committee  The Province of Quebec has decided, in agreement with the federal government, that the gas tax has to be used for this purpose--for instance, water, sewer, and not asphalt. They have to follow these rules for the gas tax, and that's good. Because if people in cities repair the asphalt, they don't prepare the ground underneath.

Finance committee  As municipal officers, we have to follow the rules of the land and also follow the rules of environment. No elected officers, at any level, can disrespect the environment. But if there's duplication of things, why can't we just make it easier? But let's follow the rules. Monsieur Mulcair was the environment minister in Quebec, and the cities do not want to go around the rules.

Finance committee  You were a city councillor. Our staff are preparing a budget. They have seven dossiers, and you as a city councillor will approve one to five, for instance.

Finance committee  Absolutely. Small municipalities deal almost exclusively with private sector professionals. Cities like Sherbrooke, Montreal and Quebec City employ generalist engineers who work with the private sector. Most of our projects are subcontracted out. We call for tenders and we work with private companies.

Finance committee  Okay, but the other projects are there in the capital budget. Even in the organization, our employees prepare and they hope they have the funds. If they don't have the funds, they will stop at that line. So we're ready.

Finance committee  Yes, and I don't think it should take as long as it does.

Finance committee  The Building Canada plan entails a very long process. Take for example the 2007 budgets. We met with Mr. Harper, Mr. Flaherty and Ms. Verner. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities also had the privilege of meeting with Mr. Baird when he was just appointed Minister of Transportation.

Finance committee  I don't know if it would work in Quebec, but with respect to other provinces, perhaps a loan...In Quebec, I think the municipalities can borrow at an interest rate of 4%...It is available to us if we wish to use it, but it has to be done through the province. We have to have provincial approval.

Finance committee  Monsieur Kennedy, as for our point of view, are you talking about the $2 billion that will be invested in renovations and affordable housing?