Prime Minister Trudeau said:
The federal government's role is to establish a process whereby industry can pitch a project, and Canadians can be reassured that this project is worth the risk....People understand we do need economic growth.
But what happens when the risk doesn't pay off? What is the federal government's role in supporting these communities? Does the federal government, who created the mess through privatization, not have a responsibility to show leadership on a solution?
PSAC and UCTE have been running a Support Our Port campaign to bring awareness to the economic challenges faced by the people of Churchill. Across this country, the media has helped Canadians to understand that this is not a regional issue but a national issue. They watch a small northern community fight for their home largely because of the federal government's privatization of a public resource. They know that if this can happen in Churchill, this can happen anywhere in Canada.
Throughout this campaign we have been asked questions. What's the government doing? What's the process when a federal government initiative, such as privatization of a port, fails? We have made repeated attempts to get this government to meet with us about the economic crisis in Churchill. We were bumped from department to department, minister's office to minister's office, and it wasn't until the media embarrassed the government before an official would speak to us about EI benefits for the affected people in Churchill. Again, it was thanks to the media that a federal cabinet minister finally spoke with us and actually went to see the community.
Minister Bains' recent funding announcement of $4.6 million into the community is very appreciated, but it's only a small drop in the bucket. This community needs a long-term strategy to help it be economically viable and stimulate growth.
Prime Minister Trudeau has spoken about the challenges of the north. However, unlike his predecessor, after a year in power he has yet to visit. We urge Prime Minister Trudeau to meet the people of Churchill for himself, to see the challenges they face and the economic opportunities that await in this magical community. We recommend that the Port of Churchill become a port authority with a board structure that reflects all the stakeholders. The Canada Marine Act does not specifically provide for aboriginal representation. However, we see it as an absolute necessity in order to be reflective of the community.
As the north opens up, Churchill is strategically placed for safety and security, for tourism and for commercial activities. The federal government must show leadership and return the Port of Churchill to public ownership. You have the power to do that. You can't ignore this. This is a national issue that is not going away.
Thank you for the opportunity to present. We look forward to your questions.