Thank you, Chair.
Mr. Giaschi, when Transport Canada people appeared before this committee, they tabled a document you may had the opportunity to read.
They say negotiation with the industry and various parties affected by this piece of legislation began back in 2005. The document mentions this about the “maritime privilege,” “broad support from the industry; concerns in the legal community.” And it has this to say about adventure tourism, “broad support from the industry and users; concerns in the legal community.”
I am trying to understand both the position of the Canadian bar and your message today. Let me start with the maritime lien. If the industry is not worried, it means in theory that shipowners, who are aware of this bill, did not ask to be directly involved.
Personally, you would like to see a direct link between the owner and the service provider. I am wondering. Is this not another case where lawyers are just looking for a way to make a lot of money? With due respect, is it not the case? When I hear the industry agrees but the legal community has concerns, I would like to be reassured that you are doing this for the public good.