Mr. Speaker, the Empress of Ireland artifacts committee is attempting to save over 400 artifacts and 500 archival pieces which came from that ship when it sank in the St. Lawrence on May 29, 1914. If a deal is not struck before the March 1, 2003 deadline, these artifacts will be sold to an American purchaser in the United States.
Will the minister give her assurance that these precious artifacts will not be lost to Canada?