Thank you, Madam Chair.
I want to thank everyone for joining us this morning.
I'll use my allotted time to try to benefit from your expertise in order to understand some notions that seem a little unclear and that you may be able to address.
The consensus is that marine transportation in Canada has an A1 safety record, and everyone agrees to maintain it.
Clause 226 of the bill proposes principles to support the Pilotage Act. According to one principle, “the pilotage services [must] be provided in an efficient and cost-effective manner.” That's understandable. Another principle states that “evolving technologies [must] be taken into consideration” and that “risk management tools [must] be used effectively.” That's when things become a bit unclear. Things become even more unclear when I see that it's possible to obtain a three-year exemption from certain provisions of the act for research and development activities.
In the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, we've talked a great deal about smart cars, autonomous cars and drones. In short, we've discussed the technology of tomorrow that's already almost at our doorstep.
With regard to research and development, are we moving towards technological support in pilotage that would make it possible to remove pilots from vessels?
My question is for Mr. Pelletier. However, if other people want to respond, they should feel free to do so.