Mr. Speaker, as always, I consider it a privilege to speak about Bill C-15 on the third reading debate.
Before I discuss the bill, the Minister of Transport and I would like to acknowledge the important role that has been played by the members of this House and the Standing Committee on Transport who have undertaken an examination on the proposed legislation.
As hon. members will recall, this bill is the product of the first phase of a two track reform to overhaul the Canada Shipping Act, an act that is in serious need of major reform.
Bill C-15 will bring about change for the shipping industry, change that is recognized as necessary and highly anticipated. It is a modern statute that can only benefit the marine sector and I am pleased to see the process of the overhaul proceeding so well.
As the bill enters third reading debate, I am happy to report that provisions of the bill have been favourably accepted. Concerns have been addressed by the standing committee and minor amendments proposed to the legislation have since been included.
Changes to Bill C-15 would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts and review of the bill by industry. Industry involvement resulted in government amendments which have improved the wording of the statute.
Key amendments to Bill C-15 include the removal of the section of the bill which updated the regulation-making authority for the licensing of small vessels.
As previously stressed, this government is sensitive to the concerns raised by my colleagues in this place. I am pleased to say that the committee was able to have a thorough discussion on the issue of small craft licensing.
The results are that the proposed section that caused concern has now been removed, while leaving the existing provisions of the act unchanged to permit continuous operation of Canada's licensing system which enables law enforcement agencies and rescue groups to locate and identify vessels. This change will provide the Department of Fisheries and Oceans with sufficient opportunity to review the regulation-making authority for the licensing of small vessels.
In addition, industry requested an amendment to clarify the government's intent regarding regulations for the control and management of ballast water in order to ensure that all ballast water was not treated as pollutant.
The statutory power to manage ballast water and to reduce harmful organisms being introduced into Canadian waters will now be available for all Canadian waters, including the Arctic. This will further strengthen environmental protection and enforcement mechanisms and will reduce the threat of harmful aquatic organisms.
I am also very pleased to see this progress. It further supports the desire to continue with the overhaul of the Canada Shipping Act to produce new legislation that is modern and which will help industry operate safely.
To recap, this proposed legislation consists of a new addition to the act that outlines the objectives and framework of the act where this previously did not exist. This will provide focus and direction for the entire statute.
As well, the modernization of the ship registration and ownership provisions coupled with the other urgent amendments included from former Bill C-73 truly helped set the government's direction. We will achieve our goals of simplified legislation that is up to date, consistent with federal regulatory policies and able to successfully contribute to the economic performance of the marine industry. Industry stands behind us as we move toward a new statute and the government stands behind its commitment to deliver.
As efforts are made by Transport Canada to modernize the national transportation system it is recognized that modern shipping legislation is vital to meet the demands of a global marketplace and to prepare Canada for the upcoming century. We are mindful of the need for Canada to remain competitive internationally as this is the very essence of a successful economy.
Throughout the process of consulting and subsequent drafting of this legislation officials from the Department of Transport have spoken at great length with industry, including shipowners, ship operators, seafarers, unions and the marine legal community.
I take this opportunity to thank these industry groups for their participation in this reform and their ongoing contribution and support for the new legislation. I am thoroughly convinced and I am sure every member of this House will agree that this new legislation represents an important step toward modernizing Canadian marine legislation.
I urge all my fellow colleagues, all members of parliament, to lend their support in order to pass this bill so it can also pass through the Senate in a timely fashion.