Transport committee  We should perhaps clarify something. I was the president of the Union of Quebec Municipalities from 2008 to 2010. At the time, there was this idea of collusion and everything that was going on in Quebec relating to various infrastructure projects. I think it would be useful to po

Transport committee  This is statistical, mathematical information that we have. The unions are indeed present in various construction trades in Quebec. I repeat: it cost 2% less. In fact, at one point, the newspapers had suggested that costs in Quebec were 30 or 35 or even 40% higher. I repeat: it

Transport committee  I will try to answer as simply as possible. In fact, we would like to be able to work with the federal government. However, in the present circumstances, as you know, we have to deal with the government of Quebec. That is the partner identified as being between the federal gover

Transport committee  The answer is yes. However, there is a limited amount in terms of the gas tax rebate. I will give you an example. In the gas tax program, in Quebec, there is one portion, I do not know what percentage, that goes to public transit. How much is that?

Transport committee  I am told it is 25% that goes to public transit, and a majority of that type of transit is provided in the bigger cities. I do not know what the share is elsewhere in that regard. I cannot speak for the other provinces, but in Quebec, I agree with what you are saying. However, at

Transport committee  Yes.

Transport committee  As I said earlier, the board would offer reference points for municipalities. Some municipalities have a number of projects, and others have fewer projects. It depends on their size. If they have fewer projects, they do not necessarily have the staff they need, to carry them out.

Transport committee  In fact, the board would be a reference source. Take the example I gave earlier, about water lines. What is the price for the same size lines in Châteauguay, Trois-Rivières, Maniwaki, Montreal and Quebec City? You do not find these kinds of suppliers on every street corner. There

Transport committee  First, that is a program that we can see as being permanent. That is important. Perhaps to answer some questions, in Quebec, there is an allocation by municipality, with a minimum amount. If my figures are wrong, Mr. Bélanger will be able to correct me. In Quebec, it is done in

Transport committee  I would like you to clarify your question. You are talking about federal government transparency. What do you mean by that?

Transport committee  On what subject?

Transport committee  I have to say it is hard for me to answer your question. I am trying to grasp the meaning. In terms of the public funds you refer to, our goal is to get the most out of the investment. We are talking about the board and the desire to make sure there is competition. That is how we

Transport committee  I do not have any statistics at hand, but as I said earlier, from memory, I think there have been two projects like that. I am going to ask Joël Bélanger, who is with me, to answer that question.

Transport committee  You are entirely correct. And that is what we are hoping for. In fact, there has to be competition. I will give you an example. Earlier, we spoke about a municipal price evaluation board. We want to know the actual situation as it relates to costs in all municipalities. Develope

Transport committee  We are actually very active in that regard. In fact, we have commissioned a study to find out how that kind of board could be administered. At least seven or eight years ago, we noticed that the cost of work in some places was really above the average. It was costing too much. So