Basically, these are my final remarks. The United States-Canada economic development fund is not a departure from the original vision. It is its natural evolution. It takes the philosophy behind the community benefits plan and provides it with a long-term economic framework. In doing so, it helps ensure that the success of this bridge is measured by not only the goods that cross it but also the opportunities it creates for the communities that host it.
The original agreement built a world-class bridge. The agreement in principle builds world-class communities around it. Canadians expect us to stand up for Canadian interests. That also means those who live in the communities near the bridge. They also expect us to work constructively with our partners when doing so advances those interests.
Those objectives are not mutually exclusive. The Gordie Howe International Bridge proves that. The agreement in principle builds upon that success. It strengthens an already successful nation-building project by ensuring that the communities at its heart share in its long-term prosperity. For me, that's a very important concept.
For all those reasons, I support the agreement in principle and do not support the motion that's being presented today.
Thank you very much.