Transport Committee on Nov. 2nd, 2009

[George Petsikas]

I think that you have fully understood what we are saying. During plane travel in Canada or abroad, there are many stakeholders. Everyone with a direct or indirect impact on the process needs to come together and talk about their responsibilities, their obligations and their potential roles.

I would like to add Transport Canada, which has a direct impact on everything that happens, particularly with regard to standards and hours of service. In order to establish a legislative or regulatory framework that makes sense, we must ensure that this discussion takes place. This was not done with regard to Bill C-310. That was a missed opportunity. That is why we are saying that things need to be done over again but in the right way. We are prepared to take part in that exercise and to have a serious discussion.

We need to take into consideration the factors that were mentioned earlier. Obviously, we cannot undermine security; nor must we try to pin the blame on anyone; we need to find a way to improve the consumer's experience and, if something is not working, try to provide them with fair and reasonable compensation, without costing the system a fortune. Unfortunately, that is not what we see here. I think that you have understood what is happening.

[Mario Laframboise, Bloc, Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

I have to say thank you there. We're just about out of time.

I have one question, and I've had it raised to me verbally more than in writing. Obviously, if the airlines get into a position where they're constantly being shut down because of weather--in particular I'm thinking of northern communities--how does that impact your decision as to whether you're going to continue to provide services there or not?

It bothers me a little bit, coming from a community that has lost air service. I know that once you lose it, you hardly ever have a chance to get it back.

[George Petsikas]

Mr. Chairman, you've hit on a very good point. We can't close our eyes to the reality that if we are going to move ahead with provisions like this, which can impose severe liabilities on air carriers because of weather, and in fact impose system costs in serving communities that, as you say, may be prone to adverse weather conditions on a fairly regular basis, clearly that adds cost to one's ability to serve them. It adds risk, it adds costs, and you have to look at it from that commercial perspective.

So, yes, unfortunately--certainly it's not something we like to go around saying--if this happens, then we have to consider that as another commercial risk in serving that community. That's something we don't want to do.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Thank you.

With that, I'm going to thank our guests for being here.

I'm going to ask the committee to stay behind for two minutes. We have some subcommittee business to approve.

I am going to ask everyone else who is not involved in that to please clear the room as quickly as you can.

Again, thank you to our guests.

[Proceedings continue in camera]

[Public proceedings resume]

[Dennis Bevington, NDP, Western Arctic, NT]

Do we have to pass this?

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

If it's by consensus, we're fine.

Mr. Volpe.

[Joe Volpe, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

My point of order is to the motion that I submitted to the clerk. I realize it didn't come 48 hours ahead of time, so my point of order is whether we prefer to discuss it now or do it when we next meet. We're supposed to next meet on Wednesday.

I don't know if you've distributed the motion, Madam Clerk.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Do we need agreement to do that?

[The Clerk of the Committee, Ms. Bonnie Charron]

If you'd like to debate it, you can give notice.

[Joe Volpe, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

Yes, so just giving notice....

No, 48 hours is fine. I just raised it to see if there was a desire to debate. Seeing that the desire is deferred, in order to whip up enthusiasm, I said okay.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Is that okay, then?

[Joe Volpe, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

You know, as Mr. Watson says, I'm one of those people who wants the committee to work.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Absolutely.

Okay, then, I'm sure you'll submit it directly to the clerk on the 48-hour schedule.

[Joe Volpe, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

It has been done.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

For the first hour on Wednesday, we will meet with the subcommittee only.

The meeting is adjourned.