The naysayers with whom Christopher Columbus dealt obviously were Liberals. Christopher Columbus was probably the first Reformer.
Bill C-263 challenges the status quo as did Christopher Columbus. However, unlike Christopher Columbus the ideas in Bill C-263 are not as radical. They are not a form of radical change but rather are a form of necessary change to Parliament and to the operations of government and of all crown corporations.
The accountability framework we are asking the five exempted crown corporations to be moved into is the framework all other crown corporations come under. There is no reason why they should be exempted.
It is a real shame hon. members of the House did not bother reading the reports of the auditor general from 1989 to 1991 wherein he expressed concern about the subject. I refer to section 4.100 of the 1991 auditor general's report which states:
The Office strongly supported the strengthened legislative framework for Crown corporations, and has continually urged that those Crown corporations that were exempted from Part X of the FAA be brought into line with its accountability provisions. It is important that Parliament have assurance that appropriate accountability provisions apply to all parent Crown corporations. When exemptions are granted, means should be found to ensure adequate control and accountability.
I urge all members to support Bill C-263.