I am going to begin, and Gabrielle can add her comments.
First of all, our dependency on various means of transportation is such that, for some years now, the community's priority has been to establish a marine link with the mainland that is available year-long. Of course, most people are benefiting from that as a result of a pilot project that was carried out over the last two months. The fishing industry will also benefit: it will be able to lower its costs, and shipping will be facilitated, whether we are talking about bait, refit construction materials for boats, motors or anything else that fishers may need.
It was mentioned that processing activities had increased in the Islands thanks to local supply and imports. If we can operate six, eight or twelve months of the year, the entire Island economy will benefit.
The other way to establish a link with the mainland would be through air transportation. Our landing strip is only 4,500 feet. We will be tabling a proposal with Transport Canada, probably in June, to have our infrastructure upgraded and to extend the landing strip to 6,000 feet. That will stimulate tourism and the fishing industry. So, our analysis also includes this component.
There was a time when a lot of fresh fish was exported. Nowadays, the trend is towards fresh, traceable products and enhanced protein and vitamin content in fish and seafoods. As things now stand, we are not in a position to efficiently supply our domestic markets. For example, in Montreal, it is easier to buy a fillet of tilapia from Chile than a fillet of sole or a lobster tail from the Magdalen Islands. That is highly integrated approach as we see it.
There is also the question of small craft harbours and the need to improve safety and efficiency in the catch sector. We now have a much larger fleet that can operate offshore. However, space is limited in many of the Island ports. The ports are not in deep water and therefore require recurrent dredging. However, these investments are necessary in order for them to continue to operate.