First, the member for York South-Weston was kicked out, and now the member for Hamilton East finds herself leaving the ranks of the federal Liberals. The credibility of all members of Parliament has suffered. Mr. Speaker, task forces, inquiries and consultations can only be effective if the government is willing to act on their recommendations. Over the last two years the government has commissioned no less than three studies into the movement of grain through west coast ports, but nothing has changed as a result of all this work. Workers, farmers, producers, shippers and manufacturers are worried.
Work stoppages cost millions of dollars.
Markets are lost and reputations are damaged. The clock is ticking. There is an option. The west coast ports inquiry recommended final offer selection arbitration as a tool for settling labour-management disputes. I suggest that the time has come for the government to relinquish control.