Mr. Speaker, Canada reported a record trade surplus in 1994. Again in the month of January there were record export sales. This underlines the importance to Canada of our export trade which is now being adversely affected. It is a vital Canadian interest being damaged by the prolonged rail strike. It is evident to every Canadian except possibly the members of the Bloc Quebecois and the NDP.
If we were to proceed to settle that strike, we could restore the full flow of Canadian exports, including those to the United States. Every working day some $200 million of Canadian exports to the United States are being adversely affected by this prolonged rail strike. We are determined to bring it to an end.