Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully to what my hon. colleague from Charlevoix said, and I note that he recognizes that substantial savings, to the tune of $250 million, will be made.
Must I point out at this time that, if this measure were also applied to the penny, nickel, dime, quarter and 50 cent coin, we would save an extra $500 million? That is a rather significant amount.
I must say that the technological know-how gained while producing this new $2 coin will certainly be used in the future for other Canadian coins and, as a bonus, we can export this technology anywhere in the world for a profit.
Although my hon. colleague from Charlevoix did not refer to it specifically, I would like to address the initial remarks made by the public works critic, my hon. colleague for Québec-Est, who put forward extremely alarmist figures in his remarks, stating that it would cost coin-operated vending machine operators approximately $400 million to adjust to the introduction of the new $2 coin. I am sure that my hon. colleague from Charlevoix, who just spoke in support of his colleague from Québec-Est, will be able to explain to this House and to all Canadians where this $400 million figure comes from, so as to not scare people needlessly.
Vending machine operators will have a full year after this bill receives royal assent to adjust. Even then, they will not be required to do so. We must always bear in mind that any vending machine operator who decides to raise his prices will have to hold up to the competition.
I would like my hon. colleague from Charlevoix to comment on these two points, explaining where this $400 million figure comes from and whether competition should continue to come into play with respect to vending machines.