Mr. Speaker, the Irving family is once again trying to duck its obligations toward Canadian taxpayers. In a clever diversion attempt, the company proposed that the costs of refloating the barge that ran aground be paid by the compensation fund financed by the oil industry.
This fund should not be used in that case, since it was set up after the accident. Ottawa has still not indicated who will foot the bill for the operation. Knowing the reputation of the Irving family as a stateless entity which avoids Canadian taxes by operating out of Bermuda, taxpayers are understandably concerned about the government's decision.
The government must ensure that it is those responsible for the situation who will pay for the operation. The Gagnon-Easter committee remained silent on this aspect.