Evidence of meeting #38 for Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was old.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
President and Chief Executive Officer, Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
Once my annual evaluation report is submitted, my mandate is renewed every year during the annual general meeting by the audit committee and by the chair.
Liberal
President and Chief Executive Officer, Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
Absolutely, sir.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
Is it possible that the Conservative government has its eyes on the Old Port of Montréal Corporation and that, ultimately, it wants to transfer all the responsibility to the Canada Lands Company?
President and Chief Executive Officer, Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
I cannot speak to any studies or reports done by the government or the minister. We are unfortunately not informed of any projects at that level. We are going to let the department do its studies and we will follow the direction that we will be asked to follow.
Liberal
President and Chief Executive Officer, Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
A jewel indeed.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
You are telling me that it all has to do with a simple signature. We could build condos there.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
I think that, when the Old Port of Montréal was first set up in 1981, there were between four and six development plans, including a massive plan for condos and office towers. It would have looked like Toronto's waterfront. Thanks to the people and public consultation...
President and Chief Executive Officer, Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
...we managed to use this site for tourism and recreation, as well as cultural purposes. And it has been supported by the government since then, despite all the business plans.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
The chair was replaced very quickly. Mr. Roy is quite upset. He was very competent, but he was replaced by another Conservative. Is it possible that the current government intends to transfer the whole responsibility of the Old Port of Montréal Corporation to the Canada Lands Company?
President and Chief Executive Officer, Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
Unfortunately, I am not in a position to answer that question. I have no information about that. The changing of the chair falls under CLC decisions...
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
What is the current status of your relationships with the board of directors, with Mr. Weiner and company?
President and Chief Executive Officer, Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
My relationship is very good and they have been supportive with this smear and mud-slinging campaign going on.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
Yes.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
Everything is fine. Okay.
Have you noticed that, even though you are an entity, there are people who want one last signature because they want to get their hands on the Old Port of Montréal Corporation land to build condo projects?
President and Chief Executive Officer, Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
We haven't received any offers from developers so far because what we have been saying for over 30 years now is that it is a tourist and cultural destination
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
Personally, I think the Old Port of Montréal Corporation should be a matter for the City of Montreal, not Ottawa. To keep things like this, we should protect historic Montreal and ensure that this is more consistent. Do you think that would be a good idea?
President and Chief Executive Officer, Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
Regardless of the government's decision, we are talking about assets worth $500 million. The infrastructures are worn out. The assets require a lot of maintenance work. It doesn't matter who is responsible for the site, $55 million needs to be invested over the next five years. The quays are vibrant, they move and they need to be repaired.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
Do you have the impression that the government is not giving you enough funding and that that is having an impact on the infrastructures?
President and Chief Executive Officer, Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc.
It delays the projects.
