Mr. Speaker, this morning, the Minister of Transport entertained a petition brought to his attention by business people and stakeholders in the political community, who were accompanied by the hon. member for Beauce.
This petition is calling for highway 73 to be recognized as a national interest highway and for the safety conditions and traffic flow on route 173 to be significantly improved up to the Armstrong border crossing.
This petition was signed by more than 22,000 citizens, as well as more than 200 social and economic businesses and organizations, and municipal corporations.
Highway 73 and route 173 go through Beauce up to the Armstrong border crossing, and together, form the main artery to New England.
The people of Beauce are counting on the Government of Canada to help them put in place 21st century highway infrastructure.