Transport Committee on June 17th, 2014

[Stephen Nourse]

Being physically able to do so is part of the briefing. When the person does the briefing, they are not only looking to impart the information but also evaluating the person as to whether or not they are physically capable of handling the exit and whether or not they speak an appropriate language to be able to understand the flight attendant's commands in case there is an emergency situation. They are also verifying that an infant hasn't inadvertently been placed in the exit row.

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

Let's just take it a little further. Let's say somebody has four drinks on a flight, or let's say somebody takes a sleeping pill on a long-haul flight and is sitting in an emergency exit. How do you deal with that?

[Stephen Nourse]

I cannot answer that question. I actually do not know the answer.

[The Vice-Chair, NDP, Hoang Mai]

Okay. Thank you, Mr. McGuinty.

Mr. Watson, go ahead for five minutes, please.

[Jeff Watson, Conservative, Essex, ON]

I just want to clarify something about the briefing. In fact Transport Canada regulations mandate that passengers receive a briefing with respect to emergency exit procedures. There is no—

[Stephen Nourse]

It's not optional.

[Jeff Watson, Conservative, Essex, ON]

It's not optional, exactly. In fact, it's part of the actual message that has to be delivered in the briefing right off the top by flight attendants to passengers. So they are informed that they must make an examination out the window to ensure there is nothing obstructing the way, and that there's no fire or smoke. They have to be able to operate the door. They are instructed how to do that.

Is that correct, Mr. Nourse?

[Stephen Nourse]

That is correct.

[Jeff Watson, Conservative, Essex, ON]

If they do not speak either English or French, or they do not feel they have competency in either of the two official languages, they are in fact moved out of that row and replaced with somebody else who does.

[Stephen Nourse]

Even if they are not comfortable with carrying it out, they certainly have the option of being replaced.

[Jeff Watson, Conservative, Essex, ON]

I've been on flights where that's actually happened.

That's all I needed to clarify. Thanks, Chair.

[The Vice-Chair, NDP, Hoang Mai]

Thank you very much.

I think we have done the rounds. We'll suspend and come back.

Thank you very much for being here today.

I also want to thank the witnesses who took part in the meeting via conference call.

We are going to take a short break to allow the other witnesses to come to the table.

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, David McGuinty]

Okay, committee. We're back.

Mr. Mai.

[Hoang Mai, NDP, Brossard—La Prairie, QC]

As discussed, I would like to move the motion. As I mentioned, notice was given on June 5. It is very important for us, and I think it is important for the committee, to look at what's happening with VIA Rail. We know that a report was tabled in the House of Commons on May 6. I think Canadians all know about the importance of passenger rail.

A report was published. We want VIA Rail representatives to appear before the committee. In fact, the committee has nothing planned for next Thursday. It is important, I think, for the committee to work hard, to continue its work and to examine what is happening at VIA Rail. Certain issues have to be discussed, such as the matter of persons with reduced mobility. We have to discuss certain repercussions on VIA Rail, as well as impacts on persons with reduced mobility.

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, David McGuinty]

Thank you, Mr. Mai.

Mr. Watson.

[Jeff Watson, Conservative, Essex, ON]

Chair, I move that we go in camera.

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, David McGuinty]

That's non-debatable. I just have to put the question.

[Isabelle Morin, NDP, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC]

A recorded vote, please....

(Motion agreed to: yeas 5; nays 3)

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, David McGuinty]

The motion is adopted. Could I ask anybody who is not here officially to please clear the room?

Thank you.

We will suspend for 30 seconds.

[Proceedings continue in camera]