Mr. Speaker, last week the Minister of Transport announced cuts to the freight subsidy on shipping western grain. As well, the minister indicated that the government will be rethinking the overall subsidy program in general, including Atlantic Canada's freight rate subsidy program.
I have been aware for some time now that the Department of Transport has embarked on a closed door internal study and review of the Atlantic freight rate subsidy program. This study contrasts the open consultative process that the government promised.
If Atlantic Canadians are to suffer further cutbacks in a program such as the freight rate subsidy, I would ask that the minister open up these discussions so that the stakeholders involved in this program can have full consultation, participation and input into this very important program which places 12,000 maritime jobs in jeopardy.