Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. Minister, in your presentation, you make two important observations. In the fourth paragraph on page 2, you say, in connection with Bill C-8, that:
the Bill is also important for the growth of international trade and the competitiveness of our economy, as we experience unprecedented levels of trade with the Asia-Pacific region.
This is a very important observation. But, since your government has never used any WTO provisions at all to curb unreasonable competition from foreign economies, we will be importing more. Then, clearly, the value of our dollar restricts our exports.
That brings me to your second observation. On the fourth page of page three, you say:
Transport Canada officials have heard increasing complaints over the last few years about poor railway service and high freight rates.
Tell me if my interpretation is correct. Bill C-8probably will fix the problem of freight rates that are too high. That will provide help to our exporters, who are sorely in need of it. But it will not solve the other part of the problem, the mediocre railway services. You are going to start a review 30 days after the bill is passed. But until then, what will happen if the railway companies react badly to the decision on freight rates and decide to provide even worse service to firms that challenge those rates? Will they have to wait for the end of the review that will start in 30 days and end who knows when? You are telling us that the review will start 30 days after the bill, but you do not tell us when it will end. We must be able to address that issue. It is not impossible that the mediocre service provided by our railway multinationals, who control all rail service, will become even worse for anyone challenging the rates.
What do you think, Mr. Minister?