Mr. Speaker, on May 3, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec reached an agreement on the joint implementation of an early retirement program for workers in Quebec affected by the decreased activity in the Atlantic groundfish fishing industry.
We will recall that it is a joint program, with the Government of Canada paying 70% of its cost, and the Government of Quebec, 30%.
This type of program bears witness to our government's commitment to working in partnership with the Government of Quebec in an area as important as the quality of life of the fishers affected by the decline of this industry.
We have here another example of the benefits of Canadian federalism and its flexibility, especially when there is co-operation.