Mr. Speaker, it would appear that the Canadian government is planning to withdraw, by the end of March 1997, its 40 per cent share of the funding of the agricultural day haul transportation assistance program, to which Quebec contributes to the tune of 60 per cent.
In the Lanaudière area only, these cuts will mean an $80,000 shortfall. Some 800 individuals will be affected, mainly students picking berries and canning vegetables. Moreover this will deprive vegetable producers of labourers who live far from their work place and have no other means of organised public transportation.
In order to maintain a program which has a significant impact on this sector of our economy, the federal government must contribute to its funding. If it withdraws, it should at least compensate Quebec financially.