Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. The request was made early last fall, probably much before October when the questions were asked. I would assume at that time there would have been a considerable amount of free balance in the EDA pot. The Minister now just mentioned that maybe that money is not available. How does EDA priorize applications?

Is it upon date of receipt and there is a commitment made, or do they have to wait until formal approval is given by the committee before that money is set aside? I'm just curious as to how available monies are allocated or committed from EDA funds.