Mr. Speaker, I want to make a comment and a clarification to the deputy whip. I have some figures regarding the so-called vitality of aerospace industries in the Montreal region. I will simply tell the hon. member that, from 1990 to 1994, 7,391 direct jobs were lost in 30 companies, including 6,684 in the following eight companies alone: Paramax, Expro, Marconi, MIL Davie, Vickers, SNC, Pratt & Whitney, and Bendix. Again 6,684 jobs were lost in these eight companies over a four-year period.
The aerospace industry is in fact experiencing a definite decline. The 7,000 people who lost their jobs are certainly not proud of the alleged vitality of that industry.
I would also add that, if these companies have somehow managed to expand and gain an international reputation, it is not thanks to federalism but, rather, in spite of it.