Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise to mark this 20th Quebec Marine Day. This year's theme is “All in the Same Boat”. This is a special day back home in the Lower St. Lawrence since we are North America's maritime gateway and one of the longest waterways in the world.
We are “all in the same boat” because the St. Lawrence Seaway is vital in bringing supplies to tens of millions of people on the entire continent. It is all the more striking during this health crisis.
We are “all in the same boat” because the marine industry represents no less than $2.3 billion of Quebec's gross domestic product.
We are “all in the same boat” because in Quebec nearly 400 businesses generate 16,000 direct jobs both on land and sea. That is $1 billion in annual salaries.
We are “all in the same boat” because our river is the cradle of the Quebec nation, made clear by the marine industry's contribution to our economy.
We are indeed “all in the same boat”, and so I say anchors away, full speed ahead and happy Quebec Marine Day.