Transport Committee on April 15th, 2010

[Daniel Slunder]

I'm not well positioned to comment on whether it's responsible or irresponsible. I can just give you the fact that I think we're having difficulty maintaining, or attracting people, or keeping our people, as it is. Whether the budget is sufficient is for you to decide; I'm not there.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Newton—North Delta, BC]

On airline pilot fatigue, Transport Canada recently announced that it will take two years to consult on that. Do you believe that we have enough information now to take action right now?

[Daniel Slunder]

I'm sorry. I didn't hear your question.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Newton—North Delta, BC]

Transport Canada has announced that they are going to do consultation on the airline pilot fatigue issue and that it's going to take two years to come up with a solution. Do you see that we have enough information right now to act?

[Daniel Slunder]

In my experience in working in writing regulations, it generally takes as many as four years to pass a regulatory change. In this instance, Transport Canada is saying that it needs to review or to look at studies. Those studies already exist. So two years to get it through might not be impossible, but it will be very difficult.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Newton—North Delta, BC]

Do you still feel that air fatigue is a key issue when it comes to pilots? Do you hear those complaints or concerns from pilots from time to time?

[Daniel Slunder]

From my members, because we're not subjected to the same work conditions as airline pilots are, I don't hear many complaints, but I do know that it is a significant concern. I personally have experienced having to work for long periods of time. It takes quite some time to recover and you make more mistakes near the end of 30 days of being on duty than you do after five days' work.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Newton—North Delta, BC]

If it's a significant concern, do you have any recommendations that you want to share with the committee?

[Daniel Slunder]

No. I did not prepare to address that subject.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Newton—North Delta, BC]

On the other issue, in your last presentation, you mentioned unqualified pilots being allowed to fly. Has Transport Canada taken any action since then?

[Daniel Slunder]

I'm not aware of Transport Canada doing anything in that respect.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Newton—North Delta, BC]

Do you still feel that this is an issue and that it should be...?

[Daniel Slunder]

As I said, I'm not aware of whether or not Transport Canada took issue or addressed that issue.

[Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal, Newton—North Delta, BC]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

I have to stop it there. I'm going to let our witness go.

I have Mr. Bevington on a point of order.

Before that, I'll just thank you for coming again, Mr. Slunder, and for providing us with an update today. We appreciate your time.

[Daniel Slunder]

Thank you for the grilling.

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Before we end, I have Mr. Bevington on a point of order.

[Dennis Bevington, NDP, Western Arctic, NT]

Yes, Mr. Chair. I had asked you previously to check the records on the debate that took place there to ensure that there was compliance with the requirements for confidentiality under the.... I had the opportunity to view them as well. I think it was pretty clear that, in the heat of the debate, there were comments made that went outside the purview of the previous report that was made on that in camera session. Is that your understanding?

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

I have reviewed it and am actually waiting for a final opinion on it, and--

[Dennis Bevington, NDP, Western Arctic, NT]

Okay.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

--I will bring that to the committee on Tuesday.

[Dennis Bevington, NDP, Western Arctic, NT]

That will be fine. You know, in reality, because.... I made the point last time that if somebody has made an error in something, I'm very willing to accept apologies for that behaviour. I'm not interested in making any other issue out of it, other than for committee members to continue to try to work as best they can. I understand what happens in the heat of situations. I'll just leave that out there.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

I appreciate that. There is a grey area there and I did want to get an absolute opinion. I will bring it to committee on Tuesday.

Thank you.

The meeting is adjourned.