Mr. Chair, I know many people who work for the Coast Guard on the St. Lawrence River. I share the minister's joy.
However, my question has to do with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, whose members are volunteers. I will give the minister the answer: It costs them between $4,000 and $5,000 to gear up safely in order to voluntarily participate in saving lives.
Does the minister know if her department's votes include provisions to support volunteers at the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, who are so essential to the survival of a great many boaters and water sports enthusiasts on the St. Lawrence River?
Again, the responders out there are often the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers. What can be done to encourage these volunteers to remain in the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary? What can be done to retain these people and keep them active? How can we ensure they do not have to spend $5,000 of their own money to do society a great service?