Mr. Speaker, when we were in power we did not rationalize the industry. The industry rationalized itself at a time when the demand for ships was in decline. Our government continued to provide assistance and support to the industry. We invested $60 million in capital improvements in the port of Vancouver, which allowed Vancouver to become an internationally recognized maritime centre.
The Canadian patrol frigate was the largest federal program ever awarded. The original contract for six frigates in 1983 and the additional six in 1987 went to the Saint John shipyard. The frigate program brought worldwide recognition of Canada's capability to design, integrate, test, construct, manufacture and manage large projects.
When the Liberal Party was in power it gave the first contract for the first six frigates to Saint John and Quebec. Then we came into power and we gave the six frigates contract to Saint John. There are companies in the country which are hoping and praying that once again the government will bring in a national shipbuilding policy. There are trained people, manufacturers and so on waiting for this policy.