Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Halifax West for his remarks. I understand his concerns about shipbuilding, because, in his region, a lot of people work there.
However, I do not share his pessimism over the impossibility of influencing the government to change its policy and its current attitude.
I can see positive signs at the moment. By way of example, the four opposition parties seem to support the motion by the Progressive Conservative Party.
The three main unions representing shipbuilders in Canada are in agreement. They even agree with their employers at the shipbuilders' association. Shipowners agree. All the provincial premiers agree. The Liberal Premier of New Brunswick, who will be calling elections soon, agrees. At their latest convention, the members of the Liberal Party managed to vote a resolution in favour of having a policy on shipbuilding.
I must watch my words, but the Minister of Finance's situation is rather unique, and he does not dare go too far ahead, being himself involved in the sector.
However, I do not share my colleague's pessimism and I would like him to react to my question.