The answer is yes for all sorts of reasons. First of all, the municipalities are in the best position to determine which federal lands and buildings could be converted so that they are more useful to the community. Second, local politics are important, and it’s hard for the federal government to implement conversion projects without getting public buy-in. Municipal officials are the ones who are most likely to accomplish that.

Third, municipal bylaws must be adapted to support the conversion process. In the coming weeks, you may see some action being taken by the federal government, but especially by the Government of Quebec and the municipalities, whose participation is necessary to facilitate this conversion.

I want to close by saying that you will have heard about a housing agreement being signed between the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec, namely the $900 million that has been released. This announcement is great news because it will make it easier for us to work more quickly and effectively with the municipalities, while respecting the jurisdiction of the Government of Quebec. The agreement will address these issues, among other things.