Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on Bill C-101, the Canada transportation act.
It is important to note that the opportunity to speak on this bill prior to its going to committee is different from what the previous speaker from the Reform Party has indicated. It has really given the public a greater opportunity to put forward their concerns and to hopefully have them addressed and acted upon.
Since the House was informed under Standing Order 73(1) of the intention to refer the bill to committee before second reading, there have been a lot of letters and submissions coming in to members of Parliament from provincial governments, organizations and individuals. I have found them in the main to be well thought out and well researched. This gives us the opportunity to investigate their concerns and apply some forethought to the bill from a number of different perspectives.
Today I will address my remarks to some of the points being raised in some of those submissions, particularly points relative to the grain transportation industry and its impact on agriculture.