Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport.
The port of Trois-Rivières is one of the most cost efficient and profitable in Canada. In 1995 alone, shipping activities increased by 45 per cent compared to the previous year. And yet, as a result of decisions by the federal government, it might lose its national port status and, consequently, its international stature.
Since the port of Trois-Rivières meets all the criteria to be recognized as a Canadian port authority, and since all stakeholders agree that it does, could the minister commit now to recognizing the role and significance of the port of Trois-Rivières by granting it Canadian port authority status?