Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the question of the hon. member for Lévis concerning the government's contribution on the maintenance on the Quebec
bridge. I would think that as a member from Quebec who has in the past harboured some suspicions about whether or not the federation actually works, the member would be standing in his place and congratulating the federal government on its announcement of a contribution toward the ongoing maintenance of the Quebec bridge.
As the hon. member is no doubt aware, the Prime Minister and the premier of Quebec met last week and discussed various issues, including the Quebec bridge. That very successful meeting is further proof of the good work this federation can do when members of the federal cabinet meet with premiers of the provinces. They can work out some of their differences and do what is best for the country.
It was announced by the Prime Minister that an agreement for a maintenance program had been made. The hon. member is also no doubt aware of the framework of the agreement which was outlined during the press conference held by the Prime Minister and the premier of Quebec. It has been agreed that $60 million will be spent over the next 10 years on a maintenance program. Of that amount CN will contribute 60 per cent, the province of Quebec will contribute 30 per cent and the federal government will contribute 10 per cent.
We are very happy to see the province of Quebec working with CN, the owner of the bridge since 1993, to agree upon an accelerated maintenance program for this important transportation link for the people of Quebec City and all the people of Quebec. In addition to the 14 daily train crossings, 25,000 vehicles use that bridge every day.
Deterioration of the Quebec bridge has resulted from its traffic. Now there is a tripartite agreement between the federal government, the government of the province of Quebec-