This morning, I propose that we resume debate on the motion, which was adjourned from the last meeting. I would like to take a moment to explain why it is important to do this now. I apologize to the witnesses who are here.
I thought that we had agreed last time to debate the motion on the Aeronautics Act, which had been amended. After a comment, the debate was closed immediately. It is an extremely important motion for Canadian municipalities, not just for the municipality of Neuville, in my riding. I talk about that municipality a lot because it is a prime example of the problem that the Aeronautics Act currently poses.
We amended the motion that you had moved. The government told us about its concerns, and I understand them. With this motion, we aren't trying to harm the economy at all. I can understand that giving the municipalities and provinces absolute power to refuse any airport on their land is problematic. We are willing to negotiate and discuss that aspect. We have also already removed that part from the original motion in order to be accommodating and to compromise. But the essence of the problem remains, and the motion that was amended still does not resolve it.
What we are asking for here is respect for provincial and municipal jurisdictions, meaning that they be able to manage their land, protect the agricultural land and carry out urban planning, as they do. What I'm talking about now will be addressed at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference at the end of the week. This issue affects not only a few of my constituents, but also the municipalities across the country. They do not have the power to regulate in their own jurisdictions.
The Aeronautics Act currently allows any private developer to set up in Canada, anywhere they like…