Mr. Speaker, the situation is even more acute from yesterday in that there is a cumulative effect of the impact of a rail strike. The situation becomes worse hour by hour and day by day.
The disruptions in the automobile industry are already evident, with Ford reducing its production in Canada. The potential, for example, in the province of Quebec, in particular of Repap, a large Canadian paper company, having to curtail, reduce or eliminate its production if the strike continues is increasingly evident.
In general terms, the impact on the Canadian economy can be severe. It is essential that this strike be brought to a conclusion immediately.