Mr. Speaker, a recent subcommittee report highlighted our under usage of the St. Lawrence seaway system.
It is my hope the justice department will approve the proposal submitted to it by interested operators to allow cruise ships to sail the lakes. With 14 million Americans within a one-hour
drive of my riding I would welcome approval to allow them to enter Canada to enjoy the pleasure of sailing the lakes.
This is an opportunity for the federal government to see a tidal wave of American tourist dollars enter Canada, with a resulting spin-off being increased employment in our hospitality industries.
Skagway, Alaska with a population of 700 people welcomes 300,000 people each summer from cruise ships. Ports of all sizes along the Great Lakes would welcome the same level of prosperity if timely approval is given.
The Great Lakes Conference of Mayors recognized the potential of this industry more than a year ago. I urge the departments of justice and finance to move this concept to the approval stage quickly before our American neighbours control this industry.
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