Mr. Speaker, on May 3, I had the pleasure of attending FuturTex 2004, the ninth annual conference of the Textiles Human Resources Council, with my colleague, the hon. Minister of Health, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister responsible for Official Languages. Textile and apparel industries are a strong presence in a number of ridings, including mine, Ahuntsic, and that of the hon. member for Papineau—Saint-Denis.
I congratulate the organizers for their successful event.
The Canadian apparel and textile industries are a vital part of the Canadian economy and our government remains dedicated to the support of these industries.
We will continue to build on the $60 million measures announced in February by our colleague, the hon. Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.
These measures will assist the Canadian apparel and textile industries in promoting their competitiveness as well as ensuring that they continue to excel in an increasing global marketplace.
I look forward to further collaboration with this industry as do other colleagues in the House, and our government.