Mr. Speaker, I must say that I am quite pleased by the favourable reception the member for Algoma—Manitoulin has given my bill. I do not know if I may presume he was speaking on behalf of the government, but it is interesting that he thinks this should be included in a review of the Canada Marine Act.
The problem is that the review will not take place until 2003. The process of port divestiture is scheduled to end in 2002. There is therefore an undefined period that will not contribute to the economic development of the regions. I am very pleased by the favourable reception this bill has had, and would be more so if the government had accepted to have it passed as quickly as possible.
Indeed, the whole issue of the importance of maritime transportation, the need for an integrated development strategy in this sector, is making itself felt. I think the government of Quebec has taken the lead on this issue. It will be announcing its strategy soon, and it will be interesting to see how the industry receives it. I think the consultation undertaken will show this to be a joint industry and government project.
It would be a good thing if the federal government listened to all the arguments put forth by hon. members following the awareness day we had on this issue earlier this week. A true marine strategy must be developed and implemented as quickly as possible to deal with issues such as the merchant navy, shipbuilding, intermodal transportation and environmental protection.
In that regard, I just wanted to make one constructive proposal to give regional ports new impetus so that they can look after their development, and to allow local communities to do their share in that development, while at the same time not overburdening them with the cost of infrastructures, which can quickly run into the tens and even the hundreds of millions of dollars. It is from that perspective that I submitted my proposal.
I am pleased by the general reaction to my bill here. If the government feels that it is indeed a worthwhile piece of legislation, I would ask for the unanimous consent of the House to make it a votable item.