Transport committee  In terms of putting a population criterion on it, the amendment introduces an element that currently does not exist in the licensing process. It means that if the agency were called upon to exercise this parameter, this exemption process, on a population basis, it would impose an

Transport committee  No, in fact, in the existing legislation, there is no exemption for seasonal operators. Seasonal operators are bound by the obligation. If they choose to maintain their insurance, and therefore have a valid licence, but want to discontinue operations, under the existing legislati

Transport committee  That is what you have proposed. This is broader.

Transport committee  We are proposing that it be done for all seasonal operators, regardless of the size of community to which they offer seasonal services.

Transport committee  I don't know how many communities there are with—

Transport committee  Seasonal operators would be small operators for the most part. They would include fishing camps, hunting lodges, and people who tend to work on a cyclical, seasonal basis.

Transport committee  Correct.

Transport committee  It would create a disequilibrium, yes.

Transport committee  Do you mean the requirements as stipulated in the existing act?

Transport committee  Under the current legislation, if a business wishes to suspend its operations because of the cyclical or seasonal nature of the service, two things must be taken into consideration. I'll answer in English. They can allow their insurance to lapse. It's a cheap way of doing thing

Transport committee  The entire nature of a seasonal business is just that. I think communities welcome, benefit, and appreciate that business. I think there's generally a very good rapport between seasonal business operators and the community because of the interdependence of their activities. Tha

Transport committee  The clause we're looking at pertains to an exemption from the normal notice proceedings for seasonal operators. Rather than approaching the community and giving 120 days' notice, normally, a seasonal operator would approach the agency and seek an exemption from that requirement o

Transport committee  The 120 days would not apply to the seasonal operators. They would no longer have to seek an exemption, as they currently do.

Transport committee  Most operators that would use this service would use it on a cyclical basis. That's the whole nature of seasonality. Again, if we are going to treat those operators whose business is of a cyclical nature in the same way as we would treat an ongoing venture, it drives up their cos

Official Languages committee  I believe the minister tried to answer that. In the proposed bill, we're trying to do everything possible within the area of federal jurisdiction to maintain the obligations that existed before the restructuring. That's our objective with this bill.