Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Deputy Prime Minister in her capacity as Minister of the Environment.
My subject is oil spill precautions for Canada's coasts. Last September the state of Washington brought in rules requiring oil tankers transiting the Washington coast to give details of their capacity to deal with a spill, their personnel training and their vessel structure and history. They require that an English speaking officer be on the bridge and that operators must meet local alcohol, drug and work hour requirements. Violations of these requirements carry fines of up to $100,000.
Will the minister move to institute a similar policy for Canadian coastal waters?