House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 43% of the vote.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, I believe that question was answered, but I am happy to repeat it.
As reflected in the main estimates, $5 million is dedicated to increasing the inspections for pipelines from 100 to 150 and doubling the amount of annual audits. An amount of $600,000 was devoted to the issue of communication.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, I appreciate this question and welcome the opportunity to put on record the opposition's position on these important measures.
While common sense would dictate that both the NDP and the Liberals would have supported the increased safety measures that our government introduced, unfortunately, it is not surprising that these measures were not supported by the opposition parties. Both the Liberals and the NDP voted against increasing pipeline inspections by 50%. They voted against doubling the number of comprehensive audits. They voted against imposing new fines for companies that do not follow our environmental laws. This is unfortunately a pattern with the opposition. It opposes any measure to make resource development even safer, as it would rather not have development at all.
Our government is the only government that will take serious steps to improve pipeline safety across the country. I have full confidence that pipeline companies will continue to ensure that pipelines meet the NEB's strict safety standards. This is not only a substantive issue. It is also an issue of gaining the confidence of the public, the so-called social licence. We must proceed with these world-class safety measures for pipelines and for maritime safety, both because it is the right thing to do and because we want to protect Canadians and the environment.
We also want to communicate clearly to the Canadian population that we are taking these actions in order to achieve the social license to permit us to develop these resources for the benefits of Canadians right across the country.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, I would like to thank the member for Wetaskiwin for his important question. I agree that pipeline safety is crucial to ensuring the transport of petroleum products across the country. The NEB subjects pipeline development proposals to an extensive review process that ensures that pipelines are safe for the public and protect the environment.
I am proud to say that pipelines regulated by the NEB boast a safety record of 99.9996%. This is an impressive safety record that we continually strive to improve. Our government has taken action to further improve pipeline safety. These actions include increasing the number of inspections at federally regulated pipelines by 50%, doubling the number of comprehensive audits and putting forward new fines for companies that break Canada's rigorous environmental protection.
Our government will continue to take a balanced approach to resource development that creates jobs and growth, unlike the NDP, which opposes all developments of pipelines and the jobs they create.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, about 300.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, the reason I said that there is a huge potential benefit for aboriginal groups is that in many cases they live close to natural resource projects.
Therefore, it is estimated that there are 32,000 aboriginal peoples currently employed in the natural resources sector and it is estimated that there will be 300,000 workers needed in the resources sector over the next decade. At the same time, nearly 400,000 aboriginal youth are expected to enter the labour force, creating an unprecedented opportunity for aboriginal employment.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, as I was saying, the NEB is committed to simplifying the form and the application process to those wishing to participate, and that is those who are directly affected by a proposal before the NEB and they have the right to be heard.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, since these questions require longer answers, I will answer the previous question.
Our government is committed to a robust National Energy Board review system that is based on science and the facts. The board must hear from those who are directly affected and may choose to hear from those with relevant information or expertise. Focusing consultation on individuals directly affected by a proposal before the NEB and experts with relevant information or expertise ensures the review is informed by the facts. The NEB—
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, I announced the appointment of Mr. Doug Eyford who is reporting directly to the Prime Minister. He is responsible for western infrastructure development and he is now, and will be, working closely with aboriginal communities to find ways that they can maximize their benefit from the development of our resources. The—
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, the short answer is no. Our government takes very seriously our constitutional responsibility to consult and, if necessary, to accommodate the responsible resource development. The legislation that was passed last year, against the objection of the NDP, has enhanced and enriched the opportunity for aboriginal communities to participate.
I announced the appointment of Mr. Doug Eyford who will be reporting—
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, budget 2013 announced $4.4 million over three years to FedNor to provide targeted support to aboriginal communities in the Ring of Fire. The funding will provide support for business skills development, strategic business planning and aboriginal youth engagement to ensure they benefit from resource development opportunities in the region.