Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of the Environment.
In September 1994, at the 12th conference of the International Maritime Pilots' Association in Vancouver, the Minister of the Environment said the following:
"I am happy that IMPA is constantly striving to optimize the latest aids to navigation, thus improving safety. Even the most modern equipment will not replace the human element, but will add to the tools available to the pilot".
Since the Standing Committee on Transport recommends substantially reducing the requirements for pilotage in Canadian waters, does the minister intend to convince her colleague at Transport to reject the committee's recommendations, which increase considerably the risks of an environmental catastrophe like that created by the Exxon Valdez ?