Mr. Speaker, it is shameful that the Government of Canada has not responded to the request of the Atlantic Canadian provinces for compensation for the costs incurred during the September 11 terrorist attacks. There was no hesitation when the government directed those planes to the airports in Atlantic Canada to avoid putting the citizens in central Canada at risk.
It is incredible that the government has paid $100 million to air operators but will not pay the provinces. It is clear that the federal emergency measures system is in chaos. When I asked the minister in charge of emergency measures questions about the emergency, he said it is the responsibility of the Privy Council. However when I put a question on the Order Paper, the Minister of Transport answers.
I am told by officials there is no agreement on who pays. Meanwhile, the government continues to stall the provinces despite the fact that they made the greatest contributions during this terrible tragedy.
Métro