Mr. Speaker, last Monday in Thetford Mines there was a demonstration by several hundred people from Thetford Mines and Beauce in support of restoration of Québec Central train service between Lévis and Sherbrooke, via Beauce.
Almost all the economic and political stakeholders in our region support this project. Many jobs depend on it. If the branch line is restored, Prolab promises an investment of $48 million, which would create 75 direct jobs in our area.
Yet on two occasions the federal government has refused to support putting this line back in service. The government must stop turning a deaf ear, and must provide financial support for restoration of the Québec Central train. I invite it to lend an ear to this heartfelt cry from the people of this area, and those representing them.
What is the Secretary of State responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec waiting for before he acts?