Evidence of meeting #15 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was information.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
We'll call our meeting to order.
As everyone knows, we're going through clause-by-clause study on Bill C-3.
First of all, I want to thank our witnesses who are here from the department. There may be some interchanging at some point, depending on the topic. We have some people here from the aeronautics industry as well.
Accordingly, if anybody has questions and we need to bring somebody to the table, feel free to do that at any time.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
Yes, we can certainly do that.
Mr. McGuinty has asked that you introduce yourselves.
John Thachet Legal Counsel, Legal Services, Department of Transport
I'm John Thachet, from the Department of Justice, with the Transport Canada legal services.
David Reble Manager, National Airports and Air Navigation Services Policy, Department of Transport
I'm David Reble, from Transport Canada, airports and air navigation services policy.
Dave Dawson Director, Airports and Air Navigation Services Policy, Department of Transport
I'm Dave Dawson, also from Transport Canada, airport policy group.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
Thank you, gentlemen.
First I'm going to propose that we group clauses 2 to 18 together just to make the best use of our time. If any of the committee members have an issue with any clause in that group, make me aware of it and we'll stop at that point, have the debate on it, and go forward from there.
Is everyone good with that?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
Clause 15, that's noted.
Clause 1 is postponed until the end.
(Clauses 2 to 14 inclusive agreed to)
(On clause 15)
Mr. Mai, I understand you want to speak to clause 15.
NDP
Hoang Mai NDP Brossard—La Prairie, QC
I want to speak to clauses 15 and 16.
We made an amendment that was refused because it went against what the bill was. Maybe I could get some clarification from the officials.
By the way, thank you very much for joining us again today to explain things to us and, above all, answer our questions.
What I gather from clauses 15 and 16 is that they are removing the minister's discretion to request a board of inquiry when a problem occurs in the system.
Can you tell us why those sections of the act were repealed and why that power was taken away from the minister?
Conservative
Jeff Watson Conservative Essex, ON
If I might, wouldn't the removal of clauses be an issue for the clerk, not witnesses, if you will?
NDP
Hoang Mai NDP Brossard—La Prairie, QC
Yes, but the reason I'm asking is just to have more information.
Conservative
Jeff Watson Conservative Essex, ON
You're asking them why the clauses were removed. It's a question for the clerk.
NDP
Hoang Mai NDP Brossard—La Prairie, QC
No, no. The effect of Bill C-3, clauses 15 and 16, is they're deleting some sections of the previous bill. I'm just asking about that amendment, about why are we repealing. It's on the amendment, but it's more on the bill.
Alex Weatherston Counsel, Legal Advisory Services, Department of Justice
We'll respond to that.
I'm Alex Weatherston, from the Department of Justice, and I've been supporting the air force with the legal side of this bill.
That's a good question.
Currently, there is the power to convene a board of inquiry under this act. It goes into the Inquiries Act. As Mr. Armour mentioned last time we were here, there have been incidents where we have been close to doing that, to obtain that legal authority.
With the powers in part II of the Aeronautics Act, we no longer need that power in part I. That's why it's being deleted.
The other section that's being repealed deals with privileges, and likewise, all those privileges, which are being incorporated right now under the CTAISB Act into the air force activities, are also now found in part II of the Aeronautics Act amendments.
NDP
Hoang Mai NDP Brossard—La Prairie, QC
So that authority still exists, but in another part of the legislation. Is that correct?
Counsel, Legal Advisory Services, Department of Justice
Exactly. That power currently exists and is no longer required once we have our amendments in the Aeronautics Act.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
Is there any further discussion on clauses 15 or 16?
(Clauses 15 to 18 inclusive agreed to)
We'll now move to clause 19.
NDP
Hoang Mai NDP Brossard—La Prairie, QC
I'm sorry, Mr. Chair. There was a mistake in our amendments. Amendment NDP-1 was with respect to clause 18. I would—
The Clerk of the Committee Mr. Philippe Grenier-Michaud
No, that's right.
