On the contrary, this bill targets only private enterprise. The bill has to do with a safety management system for private businesses. Some private businesses have already managed to get around certain enabling legislation. As a result, we think we need to send a clear message that, even if they implement safety management systems, there are other acts of Parliament that apply and must be respected.
After your explanation, Ms. Stanfield, I am left to wonder why you did not accept amendment BQ-5. It would have been much easier to tell businesses that this legislation does not give them the right to do whatever they like. Implementing safety management systems does not give them the right to violate other legislation. This is the message we must send.
Some businesses have implemented safety management systems and violated other legislation. Those businesses used such systems to justify their actions and to circumvent the Canada Labour Code. We want to send them a clear message here today, to the effect that implementing a safety management system does not mean they can disregard acts of Parliament. We want to send them a message.
I agree with my colleagues. We are going to list the legislation. However, I do not understand that, having obtained what we wanted, you did not accept amendment BQ-5. It would have been easier to tell private businesses that there are other pieces of legislation that must be respected that take precedence over the bill before us here today. It is important that businesses are aware. This applies to private businesses. I want you to understand the difference between this legislation, which is very specific and targeted directly at private businesses, and other pieces of legislation.