Mr. Speaker, there is more good news for the economy of eastern Quebec: the Government of Canada will be investing $11.3 million over the next five years to launch Quebec's first Technopole maritime, involving a dozen partners in the Lower St. Lawrence, Gaspé and North Shore areas.
This money, which is going to a region that has taken the initiative in developing its economy, will be used to develop eastern Canada's shipping expertise. Most of the money will go towards the direct funding of applied research projects, with the emphasis on shipping.
The program will be administered by Canada Economic Development. It will encourage regional partners to join forces in developing eastern Quebec's shipping expertise. A study of the feasibility of setting up a shipping biotechnology research centre in eastern Quebec will be carried out.
This is good news, something the Liberal government is doing to encourage partners in the eastern Quebec region and thus develop shipping expertise with a future.