Evidence of meeting #91 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 vessel.
A recording is available from Parliament.
February 14th, 2018 / 5:55 p.m.
Conservative
Conservative
Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
Thank you, madam Chair.
My next question is for all three of you.
I am going to read to you the purpose of the act: The purpose of this Act is to promote the protection of the public, the environment, including coasts lines and shorelines, and of infrastructure by, among other things, regulating wrecks and vessels posing hazards, prohibiting vessel abandonment, and recognizing the responsibility and liability of owners for their vessels.
Mr. Smith, a little while ago, you showed us photos of scenes that were rather depressing.
I am not a regular member of this committee, but I have a question.
You showed us photos that paint a bleak landscape. I am sorry. You deserve more, as do all Canadian waterways.
We want to find solutions to the problem caused by these existing wrecks, but does bill C-64 have enough teeth to fulfill its purpose?
Mr. Smith, I would ask you to respond first.
Executive Director, Ladysmith Maritime Society
I'm very sorry. It's the same thing with this.
Conservative
Vice-President, Chamber of Shipping
It really comes down to the domestic vessels which, I think, are the largest problem that we have. It doesn't address exactly what's going to happen with the existing abandoned boats and wrecks that we have on our coast. Certainly going forward and having the insurance component covered is a big step forward, but it only addresses vessels over 300 gross registered tonnes. I really think funding and a turn-in program is the best way to go. Without having any other recourse to dispose of your boat, abandonment is going to continue to happen.
Conservative
Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC
You are telling me that a funding program would be part of the solution.
It would indeed be a step in the right direction, but that alone would not be enough. We also have to take certain measures and make rules in order to actually prevent the problem. We are cleaning up our waterways which are essentially contaminated by wrecks, but we also have to find a way of preventing these situations.
I think we need more than money. We need to take measures, enact legislation and give certain powers to the municipal authorities, provinces or the federal government. I am therefore of the opinion that bill C-64 does not go far enough. I am no expert, but I wish to do my duty as a member of Parliament. I would like the people who are directly confronted with the problem to propose some solutions.
Vice-President, Chamber of Shipping
I think the additional amendments under Bill C-69 to the Navigation Protection Act will also supplement this bill quite nicely for the international carriers. There are times when the channels are disrupted or the anchorages are disrupted because there is a wreck in the area. Certainly it's a positive step, but there is more work that needs to be done. Whether that's in the act or in the regulations, I'm unsure.
Executive Director, Ladysmith Maritime Society
I think there are some teeth in the bill and that 10 years from now, with the change in registration, we'll see a big difference on any coast.
What's needed is immediate funding—right now. One of the sources of that immediate funding is the ship-source oil pollution fund, which has been used for a number of years to prevent vessels from leaking into the ocean. Dozens have been taken out of the west coast using that fund. That fund is available now to use for cleanup, and it should be used now.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Thank you very much to all of our witnesses. It's appreciated. We will now suspend.
Please have a happy Valentine's this evening.
Any amendments that committee members are considering need to be in by February 22. I think we've heard lots of great information, so we'll see where we go with those.
The meeting is adjourned.
