Mr. Speaker, Thetford Mines was hard hit by the closure of diamond mines, but is getting back on its feet. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business ranked Thetford Mines the third easiest city in which to do business in Quebec. The recovery is fragile and the Government of Canada must continue to support economic diversification initiatives in order to create jobs.
I would also like to mention the concerns of dairy producers in Mégantic—L'Érable. Milk proteins continue to cross the border, putting at risk our small farms, in contempt of the supply management system. Time is of the essence.
In 2016, the people of Lac-Mégantic are waiting for answers. A rail bypass for Lac-Mégantic is being studied, and we invite the new Minister of Transport to quickly meet and discuss this with the mayor of Lac-Mégantic.
As the Quebec MP representing the riding most affected by rail transportation of oil, I unequivocally support the energy east pipeline, which is a far safer means of transport.