I'm curious as to whether the protection that Mr. Masse was seeking--I don't want to put words in the mouth of the officials from the department, but there was some recognition of the need to look at the transport of dangerous materials--was legislation or regulation. I understand it was legislation. So the protection that Mr. Masse was seeking would probably require something by way of legislation.
Even if the minister were here and said “I would like to bring forward legislation”, I could tell the minister he would have to be in a lineup with a whole bunch of other people who have legislation. Consequently, I think we would wish to hear in clear debate, or some place, something from the government talking about the need to do this.
I mean no disrespect to my colleague from Windsor, but there is not much advance here by way of dealing with hazardous materials if what it really relates to is a review by this committee. I'm not trying to diminish the importance of the committee review, but the reality is there is a requirement for a commitment from the government, particularly as it requires legislation, a legislative amendment, that's a long way out there on the legislative agenda. Even if the minister himself were trying to push it, I can tell you that it takes time.