Thank you, Mr. Chair.
In terms of Mr. Kelloway's amendment, to some extent, I share his concerns. That's why I prepared another amendment that addresses those concerns, while letting the committee decide what it wants to do with the testimony provided at the meeting.
We must meet with these people in the committee. I'm thinking in particular of the officials from the Infrastructure Bank, which allocated the $1 billion in question, and the officials from BC Ferries, which decided to award the contract to a Chinese company. I would also like to know how the two ministers responsible for this area will justify the decision to allocate $1 billion of our public funds to this company. This money will go straight into the coffers of a Chinese state‑owned company. It's quite astonishing. Under the circumstances, talk of “subsidizing jobs in China” seems entirely appropriate.
We've heard about this issue before. Up until now, we haven't wanted to get involved, since the issue concerned a corporate decision. No matter how dubious or deplorable the decision, this matter involved a British Columbia Crown corporation making its own choices. This was in no way a matter of federal jurisdiction. However, when Ottawa decides to invest money—$1 billion isn't pocket change—I think that this raises questions. It's fair to ask the committee to hold a meeting so that witnesses can come and explain this decision.
I would also like to take this opportunity to talk about Quebec's significant needs when it comes to ferries, particularly in the Magdalen Islands. People are looking for a ferry to take over from the Madeleine II, which must soon be sent to dry dock. However, the federal government has allocated only $10 million over three years to the people of the Magdalen Islands to find a new boat. This amount is clearly inadequate. The dry‑docking of the boat has been postponed for two years, given the inability to find a boat that meets the criteria. I must remind you that this remains an essential need for the people who live there. Without a ferry, nothing and no one can get to the Magdalen Islands, including goods or cars.
I find it quite surprising that Ottawa would give British Columbia a cheque for $1 billion so easily.
I'm happy that the people of British Columbia have ferries. However, Quebec needs them too. I would like the federal government to show as much enthusiasm for meeting eastern Quebec's needs as it does for meeting British Columbia's needs.