Evidence of meeting #15 for Finance in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was part.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:25 p.m.
Liberal
John McCallum Liberal Markham—Unionville, ON
Okay, but the CN bill went through the House after the identity of the purchaser was known, so it could be debated. This bill is going through with no knowledge as to who the purchaser is and whether that's a good or bad thing, and all the authority is left to the cabinet.
So I guess my question is why the big difference between the way CN was devolved and the way the government is proposing to devolve AECL?
5:25 p.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, AECL Restructuring, Department of Natural Resources
I cannot answer directly that question, but the members might want to take into account that, depending on the transaction or the proposal that will be retained by cabinet, we might need to go back to Parliament to seek other authorities that right now we're not provided through Bill C-9.
There might be further discussion at Parliament in due time, but this is premature at this time. The various flexibilities have been asked, through this bill, to be able to proceed swiftly with the proposals and the divestiture of the CANDU reactor division.
5:25 p.m.
Liberal
The Vice-Chair Liberal Massimo Pacetti
Okay, good.
There is only one minute left. However, I would ask the witnesses to stay for two or three more minutes. I am going to give Mr. Carrier and Mr. Paillé two additional minutes each. So we can conclude the discussions on this part.
Go ahead, Mr. Carrier.
5:30 p.m.
Bloc
Robert Carrier Bloc Alfred-Pellan, QC
I have a quite simple but quite important question. I am aware of the fragility and importance of the nuclear power we are currently discussing, but this is a budget implementation bill.
As a parliamentarian, I find it disastrous to see us discussing it so quickly, to see us acting so quickly, when this is a very important decision that should have been the subject of a proper bill, given the level of responsibility. You are senior officials who will then be administering these decisions. I would not want to be in your position and have to make such serious decisions when the subject is dealt with quickly in part 18 of the budget implementation bill. I don't know what you think about that.
Do you believe there should have been more thorough discussion by parliamentarians so they could suggest amendments that might be made to the bill, to protect public safety? We talked about maintaining the Gentilly-2 plant a little earlier. You answer that for now you don't know whether that will be part of the sale. What do you think about what is happening at present?
5:30 p.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, AECL Restructuring, Department of Natural Resources
Mr. Chair, I hope the member is well aware that I am not here to give my opinions. I am here to provide information about the content of the bill.
5:30 p.m.
Bloc
Daniel Paillé Bloc Hochelaga, QC
I would like to make two brief remarks, Mr. Chair.
First, I am sure that the current debate will convince the people in the Liberal Party to all be present for the vote.
Second, I would like to recognize the quality of the answers given by senior members of the public service. Thank you, Ms. Cléroux.
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Vice-Chair Liberal Massimo Pacetti
Thank you.
We're done parts 18 and 19. We'll start tomorrow with part 20, environmental assessment, and part 21, the Canada Labour Code, and so on and so forth.
Thank you to the witnesses. I guess you are dismissed.
The meeting is adjourned.