Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for asking this question, which I find very interesting.
First of all, I would say that, historically, people chose to live near a marshalling yard because they worked there. People could not be expected to build their houses in the suburbs, five or six kilometres from where they worked. It made sense for people who had no cars, only horses, to settle near the marshalling yards at that time. I am referring to the Farnham yard, at any rate, in my riding. Nearly all the houses date back to the 1800s or early 1900s. Later on, this became an acquired right.
If my hon. colleague is not familiar with urban development in relation to the railroad, I suggest he read some Canadian history books.
Let us get back to the cost of the Green Goat. A new Green Goat costs $700,000 and one that is rebuilt costs $234,000. Yes, I think that all Canadians should pay for such things, because they represent a social benefit for the entire population. Everyone, for the most part, pays for roads and vehicles. Why would everyone not pay for trains to be more ecological?
Indeed, the word "ecological" implies sustainable development. Of course the entire population should pay, because the entire population would benefit considerably.