Mr. Speaker, the reality is that there have been over the last couple of years, in fact as recently as 1998, additional improvements to the measures that are available to assist shipbuilders. The Export Development Corporation has enhanced the benefits which it provides. In addition, we continue to have favourable tariff rules as well as rapid depreciation for ships that are built in Canada under the Income Tax Act.
However, in response to a request from the shipowners' association, it was my intention to meet with them—