Madam Speaker, first, my party is the Progressive Conservative Party and I intend to keep it that way. I am sure that will please the hon. member for Halifax immeasurably.
During my comments I referred specifically to the flaw of this legislation. I read an article written by David Roberts, a Halifax lawyer. I quoted specifically the following passage:
It's worth remembering, however, that in the case of Westray, prosecution of the corporation would have been pointless. The parent, Curragh Resources, was bankrupt by the time a prosecution could have started. There was nothing left for a court to fine. No company survived to implement new safety policies. The power to charge a corporation would have been an empty power in the Westray disaster.
I did refer specifically to that during my comments. I referred to it as an unfortunate irony that in legislation which some refer to as the Westray bill this legislation would have failed to have any impact at that time. That is a very unfortunate irony. I do support strengthening the legislation in that regard. I concur with the hon. member on this.