It is first for historical reasons. When the bridge collapsed for the second time, my grandfather was there. Consequently, that event was the topic of many stories when I was young. I often cross that bridge. The hon. member for Lévis referred to the CN Tower, in Toronto. It would be more appropriate to compare the Pont de Québec to the Tower of Pisa, considering that both structures are more or less in the same condition.
There is also a more personal and even religious reason. Indeed, every time I cross the bridge on a train, I cannot help but feel a need to say my prayers, because I always wonder if we will make it to the other side.
If you have been in Quebec City on more than one occasion, you should go at least once to have a look at the bridge from the lovely city of Saint-Romuald. You will realize what an eye-sore it is, not to say anything about the risk it represents for those who have to use it.
If it remains a federal crown asset, we will see what will happen later on. We will at least get an assurance that that bridge will be repaired. Everything that needs to be done has already been identified. In the notes my colleague from Beauport-Montmorency-Orléans was kind enough to give to me, I notice that as late as 1994, that is last year, an American company called Mojeski and Masters was paid $700,000 U.S. for a visual inspection of the substructure and superstructure of the bridge. Surely, we must have qualified people in Canada to do that kind of work, but the contract was awarded to an American company anyway.
When the railway service was dismantled, in Bellechasse, the entire Monk line, from Charny to Edmunston, New Brunswick, was dismantled. Even the rails were torn up. The right of way has not been given back to the original owners yet, but the rails have disappeared.
The dismantling of the railroad is a real disaster, since the railway has always been a symbol and a reality for Canada ever since 1867, which is why I will be pleased to support the amendment put forward by the hon. member for Beauport-Montmorency-Orléans and to vote in favour of the Pont de Québec remaining a public asset.