Mr. Speaker, Transport Canada is responsible for providing a safe and efficient service between the Magdalen Islands and Prince Edward Island, and we will do everything we can to ensure that the people of the Magdalen Islands have this service.
However, I want to point out to the hon. member that we have asked the operator who is now responsible for providing the service with the Lucy Maud Montgomery to advise us of his requirements, and then Transport Canada will award him a subsidy.
Acquiring, leasing or building a ship is the sole responsibility of the service operator, not of the Government of Canada.