Mr. Speaker, of course, if Quebec becomes independent, there will be several technical questions to settle, and the issue of rail transportation will just be one of them. However, the hon. member must understand that, even though this issue will come up, it will not be impossible to resolve. It will only be one more issue to settle.
Among other things, separation will enable Quebec to electrify its rail lines, which would increase consumption of its national source of energy instead of what it considers imported energy, with all the environmental benefits this implies.
Also, we could elaborate a policy according to our own national interests, instead of watering them down with other interests, and not only where rail transportation is concerned, but in other areas as well. Everyone knows that, in the rail transportation area, Western Canada has always been in favour with the government and has received very generous gifts paid for by every Canadian taxpayer.
Once Quebec becomes independent, it will not have to pay for gifts that do not benefit Quebecers and it will look after its own national interests, but always in a spirit of co-operation and continuity with Canada and North America.