Transport committee  We enforce the provisions of the Arctic act and the Arctic regulations for the construction, operation, and equipment requirements for any vessel that is entering the Arctic waters.

Transport committee  I think there's recognition by any shipping company that if you're going to operate in an environment where there is ice, you have to prepare for those hard hazards. Therefore, the vessels that operate in those environments are specially strengthened. They have people on board wh

Transport committee  What is the useful life of an icebreaker? That is a very difficult question. It depends on how well it was built, whether there is a mid-life refit. You can extend the life of a ship for quite a long time if you have a so-called mid-life refit. So it's difficult to say. We have s

Transport committee  The regulations anticipate that a number of the vessels are going to be foreign vessels. For domestic vessels, of course, a vessel will go to any of our offices across the country at a port in the south. They will be inspected and issued with a certificate that shows compliance w

Transport committee  These regulations do not apply to pleasure vessels for the construction requirements, but of course they apply to all vessels from the perspective of reporting in, etc., and most invariably do.

Transport committee  Yes, they do, and there are requirements. In fact, the international requirements for double hulls have now overtaken the requirements that we have in the regulations. By 2015 all tankers will have to have double hulls.

Transport committee  Do they find them onerous?

Transport committee  No, there is not.

Transport committee  The search and rescue area covers both the current and the extended zone. It is no different from that perspective. As I said earlier, on the largest portion of the extension, which is north of the Beaufort Sea, there is very little, if any, shipping there at any particular time

Transport committee  Well, in that context there is the plan, and the plan is indeed with the lead department, which is Indian and Northern Affairs, which is part of the northern strategy. That is the grand plan, if you will.

Transport committee  There is not as we speak.

Transport committee  No. There's seismic work under way, but nothing else.

Transport committee  Yes, we are aware that the Department of Foreign Affairs consulted with other countries in the proposal. Perhaps I should correct that to say we informed other countries rather than consulted.

Transport committee  No, I do not know that.

Transport committee  I am sure the information can be provided. The response to an oil spill is the responsibility of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans through the Canadian Coast Guard. If something goes into the water, the response is part of Canadian Coast Guard responsibilities. They have an