Transport Committee on Oct. 3rd, 2006

[Gilles Dufault]

It would be a pleasure.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Thank you very much.

[Gilles Dufault]

Thank you for your attention.

Thank you very much.

It has been a most enjoyable experience, and I would be happy to appear before the committee again.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

We have one motion to deal with. Mr. Laframboise has submitted it, and it certainly meets the standard test of time. I would ask Mr. Laframboise to present it.

[Mario Laframboise, Bloc, Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC]

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

The intent of the motion is to call Mr. Duchesneau, president and CEO of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, to the meeting of October 5, 2006. The reason that we want him to appear is so that he may explain the security failures noted at Pierre-Elliot Trudeau Montreal's international airport.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Order, please.

Mr. Laframboise has the floor.

[Mario Laframboise, Bloc, Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC]

Thank you.

Obviously, you are all aware that the objective is to discuss the security failures noted at Montreal airport, but I am sure that you also understand that this situation could arise in other Canadian airports. Mr. Duchesneau made some very important comments. Bear in mind that he did not focus exclusively on his service. He did, however, say that biometrics were going to be introduced to his service in an attempt to resolve security problems.

A Senate committee was mandated to study the situation. Furthermore, there were comments in today's Journal de Montréal to the effect that biometrics are not the best solution. Apparently, other measures are also required to ensure that security failures are avoided within the service. Mr. Duchesneau spoke about organized crime at Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau, Montreal's international airport. The same is probably true of other Canadian airports. He also addressed security issues, not only within the airport, but on the tarmac and all airport land.

There are four organizations responsible for security in Montreal, and I have been informed that there are around 20 at the Lester B. Pearson international airport. The time has perhaps come for us to put some questions to Mr. Duchesneau, who dared to speak about problems affecting not only Montreal's Pierre-Elliott Trudeau, but other airports as well.

It is time for us to call him before our committee. I was hoping that it could be arranged for the next meeting, but I am open to negotiation on that point.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Thank you, Mr. Laframboise.

Are there any comments?

[Don Bell, Liberal, North Vancouver, BC]

Do you need a seconder?

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

No.

Mr. Jean.

[Brian Jean, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB]

I want to make sure that everyone is aware that CATSA is not responsible for security at the airport; they are only responsible for screening passengers.

Of course, we can't compel the member himself to give evidence. It has to be on a cooperative basis.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Mr. Laframboise.

[Mario Laframboise, Bloc, Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC]

I understand that. However, biometrics have been suggested as a solution to the problems in his own service. Yet, we know that, while the Senate suggested biometrics as a solution, it did not necessarily consider it to be the best one. Regardless of all that, Mr. Duchesneau dared to speak out about the presence of organized crime and the way in which the other services at Montreal's Pierre-Elliot Trudeau airport conduct themselves. I am sure the situation is the same in all other airports, including those in your regions. Somebody dared to speak out: I think we should seize the opportunity to question him on his service.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Mr. Jean.

[Brian Jean, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB]

Absolutely. I don't disagree at all. I'm just making those two points. My understanding is that biometrics is going to be in at least the 29 major airports by some time in December.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Mr. McGuinty.

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

I would like to directly support the motion. Following a problem that occurred two years ago Mr. Duchesneau said, a year ago, that the problem with uniforms and badges would be settled once and for all. In light of his remarks last year, I would like to get his views in the current situation.

Mr. Jean said that CATSA was only responsible for screening, not security. I therefore would like to know who is responsible for security and whether we should look into questioning someone who is responsible for security in Canada.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Mr. Jean.

[Brian Jean, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB]

My understanding is that the airport authority itself is responsible for the security of the airport, and each airport authority is ultimately responsible. The department would be able to provide more information.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Mr. McGuinty.

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

Would it make any sense to convene the president and CEO of the airport authority of Montreal at the same time as Monsieur Duchesneau? Or is the Minister of Transport responsible for security, with delegated authority to the airport authorities?

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Mr. Laframboise.

[Mario Laframboise, Bloc, Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC]

I would agree with you to have the person who chairs the association representing Airport Authorities appear before us. I believe these people are represented by an association. The problem is not only unique to Montreal. I believe it affects other airports as well.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Mr. Jean.

[Brian Jean, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB]

Was an amendment made in relation to the invitation being expressed?