Debates of May 15th, 2000

Canada Transportation Act

[Rick Borotsik, Progressive Conservative, Brandon—Souris, MB]

Madam Speaker, my colleague from Cumberland—Colchester spoke very eloquently to the legislation, almost to the point that I did not know whether he was sitting on this side of the House or the other side. He is taking a lot of credit from the committee's perspective and I really appreciate that. I not only appreciate it but I have a lot of good things to say about the competency of my colleague and I will follow his lead on this issue.

I have one question on something which was not touched on during his speech but may well have been touched on at committee. I am talking about cabotage. The minister talked about it. There is a possibility that cabotage may well drive the necessary competition to ensure that airlines treat their customers properly and fairly with respect to airfares and service.

Could my colleague tell me if cabotage was discussed? That would be reciprocal cabotage, not only cabotage within Canada with American airlines but reciprocal cabotage with Canadian airlines being able to service multiple points in the United States. Was that ever discussed? Was it ever an option? It is obviously not in the legislation. Could it be put in the legislation at a future date if the ombudsman as well as other areas of control do not work?

[Bill Casey, Progressive Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Madam Speaker, I often wonder what side of the House I am sitting on too, because last week the media had me over on that side for about three or four days and then they had me over here for a few days. Now I am back over there for a day or two but I am not going anywhere because I like it right here.

The member's question about cabotage is a good one. Cabotage is a control a government has to prevent other airlines from operating in its country. It is a common regulation. Countries do not allow airlines from other countries to operate in their countries. It is a kind of tariff. I would not support Canada lowering its tariffs on our airline industry without other countries reciprocating and allowing us access to their markets as well. I would not support lowering tariffs for Americans to ship products into Canada if we could not ship exactly the same product into the U.S. My point is that I do not think we should allow cabotage unless it is reciprocal.

We should not do that yet because from what I have seen, I believe there is a tremendous entrepreneurial instinct and effort in Canada in the aviation industry. It is extremely exhilarating and exciting when I listen to the new aviation companies that are on the frontier of the whole industry. They are exciting and aggressive people who are anxious to compete.

Let us see how good Canadians do before we start talking about cabotage. I would not consider cabotage unless it was reciprocal.

[John Herron, Progressive Conservative, Fundy Royal, NB]

Madam Speaker, I would like to point out today the effort that has been made by a number of critics, in particular our member for Cumberland—Colchester. He has proven that he does his homework on behalf of his constituents and on behalf of our party. He is the best transport critic on the hill.

I would also like to point out that the Minister of Transport has been here all day listening to the debate. That is a testament of how all ministers should treat bills when they are brought forth in the House.

[Bill Casey, Progressive Conservative, Cumberland—Colchester, NS]

Madam Speaker, I will comment on the job that I do. I enjoy my job. I hope to keep it for a little while longer. This has been a very interesting process. The committee was excellent and it was a learning curve for all of us. I appreciated the chance to participate.

[The Acting Speaker (Ms. Thibeault)]

The hon. member for Souris—Moose Mountain on debate.

[David Collenette, Liberal, Don Valley East, ON]

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I understand there have been consultations among the parties for one speaker per party. Therefore it would take consent to open the debate. I know there is another bill to be called this afternoon and therefore I would ask that we put the question on third reading.

[The Acting Speaker (Ms. Thibeault)]

The Chair is not aware of any understanding to that effect. I feel that I have no choice but to recognize a member who wants to speak to the particular bill.

[Roy H. Bailey, Reform, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Madam Speaker, I was not too well informed in that regard. If indeed that is the case, I will not submit to speak.

[David Collenette, Liberal, Don Valley East, ON]

Madam Speaker, I regret that the Chair was not informed of this arrangement between the parties. I have no problem hearing my friend from the other side in the Reform Party, but then other members may wish to speak and that will upset the apple cart, so to speak, at this late stage.

[The Acting Speaker (Ms. Thibeault)]

I have to give the hon. minister the same answer. Nothing about an agreement to that effect has been discussed in the House today. Therefore the only thing I can do is to recognize the hon. member.

[John Herron, Progressive Conservative, Fundy Royal, NB]

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Perhaps we could ask for unanimous consent of the House to deem third reading complete at this point. If there was an understanding to that effect, the House does have the capacity to control its own destiny on that point. I would ask you, Madam Speaker, to ask the House for its unanimous consent for third reading to be completed.

[The Acting Speaker (Ms. Thibeault)]

My answer has to be the same at this point. I have to recognize any member who wants to speak to the particular bill.

[Stan Dromisky, Liberal, Thunder Bay—Atikokan, ON]

Madam Speaker, I rise on the same point of order. I was the one who went around to all transportation critics and we did come up with the understanding that there would be one member from each party represented in the House speaking to the bill today.

I apologize if the message did not get to you, Madam Speaker, in particular. I thought that message would be passed on.

[The Acting Speaker (Ms. Thibeault)]

At this point I will ask the hon. member for Souris—Moose Mountain if he still wants to speak or if he would be in agreement to proceed.

[Roy H. Bailey, Reform, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I wish to agree with the hon. gentleman. I was not aware that we were clear cut in this regard. I had a five minute point that I wanted to make. However, if it is the wish of the House, that does not bother me at all and I will agree not to speak.

[The Acting Speaker (Ms. Thibeault)]

It is the choice of the hon. member not to speak at this point. Therefore, is the House ready for the question?

[Some hon. members]

Question.

[The Acting Speaker (Ms. Thibeault)]

The question is on the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Acting Speaker (Ms. Thibeault)]

All those in favour of the motion will please say yea.

[Some hon. members]

Yea.

[The Acting Speaker (Ms. Thibeault)]

All those opposed will please say nay.

[Some hon. members]

Nay.

[The Acting Speaker (Ms. Thibeault)]

In my opinion the yeas have it.