Mr. Chairman, every community has an equal right to seek financial assistance to maintain their existing infrastructure as was used in this case. In this case it was looked at as being a situation that was urgent. It was urgent in the sense that the road could not take another year of traffic without completely breaking down.

It is certainly in the public interest in terms of this being the most cost-effective way of resolving this situation. The department clearly did not have the appropriation to do it. This situation is no different for Tuktoyaktuk than it would have been for another community. This is not an enhancement of their capital infrastructure, it is simply protecting what they have from probably a complete breakdown if we let it go again. This right is here for every community to be able to do it. If there is an emergency or an urgency and it makes sense financially to do it now, not wait another year, then any community can apply.

Mr. Steen would like to add to what I have just said. Thank you.