Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe this particular question came up, as to why we are not prepared to go May 1, 2000, in committee. The department attempted to explain to the Member how the department awards contracts and how we have to have a certain timeframe in order to request tenders.
Perhaps the deputy minister could attempt to explain our hopes for funding from the federal government, as well the process we use for tendering and the timelines we need to award contracts. Thank you.