Government Operations committee  I am in your hands, Mr. Chairman. I think governments can make policy decisions and make them public as they deem fit, so I don't think I can contribute anything to this as a public servant.

Government Operations committee  There are two entries in the estimates. One is $16.2 million for grants and contributions, and there is $50,000 for the department operating. This one is that the port at Prince Rupert is doing expansion. In order to do the expansion, they have gone into negotiations with three

Government Operations committee  The Auditor General looked at the economic action plan. In two reports what has been tabled is that our department has done a very good job in terms of managing the program and ensuring that the costs were controlled, ensuring that appropriate management controls were put in plac

Government Operations committee  Of course. Like all of the programs, we have management controls when you're running big amounts of money. For the economic action plan, because the time was so tight and because there was a potential for making mistakes, the department took extra care, adding additional steps a

Government Operations committee  I can't tell you. Let me get you the answer.

Government Operations committee  It depends on the terrain. We'll get you the study, and we'll get you the kilometres that will be part of that.

Government Operations committee  It is expensive.

Government Operations committee  The strategic review target for Infrastructure Canada over three years is $124.5 million. The department has gotten $5.4 million in the Building Canada fund communities component, $4.9 million for the Building Canada fund major infrastructure administrative efficiencies, $45 mi

Government Operations committee  Yes, but over three years. The first cuts hit this year, but the cuts go for three years. Then there is $37.5 million for economic analysis and research. Now turning to the increases, because a lot of our programs.... First of all, the economic action plan was extended, so the m

Government Operations committee  I think it's going to be really important to differentiate the government's decision to allocate money—re-allocate money—versus when the moneys would be approved by Parliament. Sue or John, if you want to cover.... Because there's more to come in future years.

Government Operations committee  It definitely is the busiest crossing. The volume that bridge carries is a major issue for Canada. The government has been focused on this one. Many governments have been focused on this for many years. I believe this is one issue that unites everybody in Parliament. There has be

Government Operations committee  I am the deputy minister of the Department of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, but economic development agencies are not my responsibility.

Government Operations committee  We looked at this issue very carefully. VIA Rail, year after year, does need additions because of their operating costs. The rail traffic in Canada is not even. The most lucrative part is the Quebec-Windsor corridor. In the rest of the country, there are not always as many people

Government Operations committee  We're in the process of making those capital improvements right now. If you're asking about the future, this is something that's being looked at. This is all I can say.

Government Operations committee  Maybe in a little bit more coherent fashion, sure.