Evidence of meeting #119 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was shipping.
A recording is available from Parliament.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
I don't know what you can offer in 30 seconds, Ms. Simard, but you have the opportunity.
10:05 a.m.
Director, Legislative and Environmental Affairs, Shipping Federation of Canada
I'll respect that.
Actually, we've been given similar examples. On the east coast as well, when powers are needed, they're needed fast and deep, but they should be interim in nature if they are needed fast. That's an important point. Changing the procedures of routings or the way the ship operates does have major consequences—millions of dollars, for example, for the Gaspé community on the east coast, for the crew's destination last season.
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
Ken Hardie Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC
Thank you, Madam Chair. I have a quick question and I'll then toss it to my friend Mr. Badawey.
A lot of the provisions, as we heard from the last panel, have been consulted in the process of developing bills C-48, C-64, C-68 and C-55. Between this committee and the fisheries committee, we've done a deeper dive into it, clause-by-clause, recommendations, etc., but there was one example that helped me understand the nature of your concern. That was with respect to protecting the north Atlantic right whale. There was a slowdown and fishing bans in certain areas, and it was ultimately discovered that they had probably overreacted, that they could have taken a more refined approach to protecting that whale from ship collisions, in this case.
Based on what we've heard from you, would you be content if an interim order came down—as you mentioned, Ms. Simard, for a short period of time—that allowed for refinements to come forward that might mitigate what otherwise would be unnecessary impacts on your industry?
10:05 a.m.
Director, Legislative and Environmental Affairs, Shipping Federation of Canada
I agree. We would be content, as you put it, this way, but that's why we think we need those safeguards in the act and in procedures within the department.
Did Transport Canada need to act fast last year? Definitely. We are not opposed to the need to act fast or the need to consult quickly. Science—
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Sorry, Mr. Hardie, but there's been a vote called.
Shall we take a couple of minutes to finish with Mr. Hardie's questions, then break, go over to the House to vote and return here?
10:05 a.m.
Conservative
Kelly Block Conservative Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK
I think if we're going to allow Mr. Hardie to finish, we should probably allow Mr. Aubin to put a question to these witnesses.
10:05 a.m.
NDP
Robert Aubin NDP Trois-Rivières, QC
Thank you. I'll try to be brief.
Ms. Simard, my first question is for you.
You probably work miracles at home. I was very surprised that you managed to prepare a report for us in such a short amount of time. You already answered my first question in your opening remarks. I was wondering whether you had time to address the whole issue. Obviously, the answer is no.
I'm sure that you have the authority to speak on behalf of the members of the association that you're representing. However, could you tell me the extent to which these people feel affected by Bill C-86 or are aware of what's happening?
10:05 a.m.
Director, Legislative and Environmental Affairs, Shipping Federation of Canada
There were consultations regarding the general concepts. In terms of what's happening with Bill C-86, it's obviously very difficult for the industry to keep up. The brief is the result of two days of work over the weekend.
Are all the members of my association aware of the details of the proposals? No. We had to do our best.
10:05 a.m.
NDP
Robert Aubin NDP Trois-Rivières, QC
Thank you.
I was entitled to a question, but I can speak later, can't I?
10:05 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Yes, if it's very short.
I needed to have unanimous consent to continue with Mr. Aubin. We did. That was fine. Thank you very much.
We will suspend, go to the House for the vote and return here immediately following the vote, please.
I apologize to our witnesses but a vote has been called in the House and we have to suspend the committee. Thank you so much. I'm sure that our members can get in touch with you if there are any critical questions that they would like answered.
The meeting is suspended.