Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Prime Minister.
Speaking yesterday to the greater Montreal Chamber of Commerce, the Chairman of VIA Rail unveiled his agency's proposal for a high-speed train in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor. VIA Rail is proposing that the federal government support the project financially using part of the grant it awards each year to the agency. This would allow the government to build the HST without it affecting Ottawa's budget.
Can the Prime Minister tell us if the government is interested in VIA Rail's proposal which has the advantage of requiring no additional outlay on the part of the federal government?