Mr. Speaker, I recognize that when one talks about freight rates, one needs to be cognizant of the fact that it is hard to put a set rate in legislation. There might be some guidelines one can incorporate in regulation in a very general framework as it is set up in the legislation itself. I would like to think that members will see some suggestions on that point.
There would have to be specific types of amendments. One has to be careful when talking about the market value of a box that contains whatever type of product. One has to leave a certain amount of that issue to the private sector.
I approach things with a relatively open mind. Hopefully, the government will do likewise. At the end of the day, it is about shippers and consumers.To a certain degree, it is also important for Canada's rail lines and their longevity. Members want CP and CN to grow and prosper. It is not about denying profits to these two corporations or the short lines. It is more about providing a guarantee of quality of service and a sense of fairness and that farmers in the prairies are not being taken advantage of because of the dominance of two rail lines.
When we go to committee, these are the issues we have to ensure are addressed. If we do not do that, then there are far too many individuals, groups, corporations and businesses that will lose out. I ask the government to do the right thing. I conclude by saying that I trust and hope that the government will seek and make the necessary amendments so that members can unanimously pass this legislation at third reading.