Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier on, the issue we are dealing with today is one of last resort. There are times when it is clear that action is necessary to protect the interests of Canadians, which is, after all, the most preeminent responsibility that we have in this House. This is why we find ourselves in a position where government intervention is required in relation to the Canadian National Railway strike. This has the potential to significantly impact the lives of Canadians across the country, as well as our economy, and there is very little option but to intervene. It is indeed a last resort whose time has come.
Our reliance upon our national railway system is undisputed. The railway is an integral part of this country's success, both as a nation and economically. On looking back over the beginning of this strike, we cannot help but wonder how anyone could be surprised as to how the strike has come to this point where a government intervention is unavoidable. The strike is impacting Canadians and our economy. It is that simple. The interests of Canadians must come first. Back-to-work legislation, as I have said, is really our last and only resort.
Governments over the years have clearly recognized the importance to our country of the railway industry both for the personal economic interests of Canadians.
Quite frankly, we support this legislation because Canadians and the Canadian economy cannot continue to prolong this strike.