Mr. Speaker, today representatives of the railway industry are visiting Parliament Hill in droves to talk to many senators and members on the importance of rail transportation. I am proud to say that rail transportation is vital to a healthy economy in the major centres and the regions of Quebec and Canada.
In recent years, we have witnessed the birth of many short line railways. The entrepreneurship of their management and the flexibility of their operation enable them to free up the roadways in the regions and to maintain safe transportation.
Because their infrastructures connect with the main railway lines, the short line railways link their clientele to the vast North American market.
I join with industry members in reminding people that, for many businesses, the way to the future is by rail. Let us keep it competitive.