Mr. Speaker, there is no question with regard to Bill C-9 that new members of the transport committee were not given the opportunity to interview new witnesses. We did, however, have access to an extensive amount of considerations that were done in the previous Parliament.
We also had time to have discussions with the stakeholders, including people within the marine industry and union members. Therefore, I can quite confidently say that contrary to the hon. member's belief that the unions were not given the opportunity to be represented on the board and shocked that that position would not be supported by myself, it is interesting to note that the unions did not ask for representation on those boards. I also accepted the explanation of the member across that they were not restricted. If their local municipalities or the authorities in question wanted to have someone on the board, they certainly had the opportunity to do that.
I do not make any bones about my background. I come from a very strong labour background and I do not make any bones about that. I am comfortable with my position within the labour unions. They know I am there acting on their best behalf and that I am not going to show up tomorrow suggesting back to work legislation.
In putting that point straight, I would like to comment on the motions. I will be recommending support of Motion No. 1. All the municipalities that have a stake in the ports should have the opportunity for representation. We will have far greater viability of the ports and a lot better working relationship within those communities if they have that opportunity. I will therefore certainly be supporting and recommending the support of Motion No. 1.
I will be recommending support to all of the motions in this group. It is important that the limits of the ports be clearly set out so that a year down the road we are not questioning what should be happening to this port or that port or whether one is having more opportunity than the other. Therefore, I would also recommend that one.
There is no question that Motion No. 3 will lead, I hope, to less patronage. It seems to be a common problem with appointments through the governing body. If we could have representation, if the appointments were suggested by the users, then there would be less chance of that. I would strongly urge the government to move on that motion as well.
Motion No. 12 in regard to the zoning bylaws, the clause already calls for taking into account the relevant social, economic and environmental matters. I was quite surprised that the member from the Conservative caucus would suggest that the concerns of the municipalities in the area should not be an overall guiding factor and their wishes with regard to zoning should not be considered. To suggest that just because a port is there it should have the municipalities to ransom for years to come and not allow municipalities to readjust their zoning is just not acceptable to me.
I will be recommending support for all these motions.