Tony Valeri

[Airline Industry, May 11th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, in fact the air industry is safe. I do not understand why that member continues to portray that kind of message.

In fact, what is happening is that we have more competition in the air sector today than at any time before. We have Jetsgo, we have CanJet, we have WestJet, and we have Air Canada, which is going through a restructuring period, always a difficult time. I would refer the hon. member to the comments made by Judge Farley just recently, which called on all individuals involved in the Air Canada restructuring deal to get around the table, strike the deal and ensure that Air Canada comes out a strong and united company.

[Grain Transportation, May 5th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to working with the FRCC on its innovative proposal to manage the fleet of railway cars. We will continue with the necessary due diligence on the proposal to ensure that the roles and responsibilities are clear and that value for taxpayers is optimized.

The government and the FRCC have shared interests in ensuring that there is sufficient commercial and competitive grain transportation in this country, grain transportation that in fact meets the needs of producers and other stakeholders.

[Air Canada, May 5th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that the air sector continues to be top of mind for me as a transport minister.

We continue to build and look to build a competitive air industry. We have seen the entry of WestJet, Jetsgo, and CanJet. We have seen domestic airlines taking hold here in Canada.

We have seen a competitive market. Effectively, we will continue to pursue policies that will provide and ensure a competitive environment.

[Air Canada, May 5th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, with respect to Air Canada, Transport Canada continues to meet with Air Canada on a regular basis as it has done throughout the entire CCAA process. Air Canada provides updates on the restructuring operations and its planning. We have not received any formal request with respect to Air Canada.

I would encourage the company, its unions and creditors to continue to work through this CCAA process that would facilitate a private sector solution for this company so that it can come back and compete effectively.

[VIA Rail, May 5th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, we have no intention of privatizing VIA Rail.

[Air Canada, May 4th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, while the hon. member continues to speculate on various permutations of what may or may not happen, what I am saying in this House is that Air Canada has a requirement to meet the obligations under the Air Canada Public Participation Act. I, as transport minister, have said that repeatedly in the House and I will continue to say that. It is the position of the government.

[Air Canada, May 4th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, as I said the other day, we are very much aware of the Deutsche Bank and Air Canada agreement in principle. I said that Air Canada would be required to meet all of its obligations under the Air Canada Public Participation Act. Along with meeting the obligations under that act, it would be required to meet all the other legislation that would apply to an airline that wants to operate here in Canada.

[Air Canada, May 3rd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, my expectation is that Air Canada will meet its obligations under the Air Canada Public Participation Act, as well as any other applicable legislation.

All Canadian carriers, including Jetsgo, WestJet and Air Canada, are obliged by regulations to provide passengers with information in both official languages as to the safety procedures and what to do in the event of an emergency situation.

[Port Security, May 3rd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, on July 1 there is an international standard that we are expected to meet. We have gone further and have created a North American standard in working very closely with the United States with respect to marine security.

We will meet that July 1 standard. I will continue to work with the stakeholders with respect to marine ports and facilities. We will ensure that we meet the international standard. We will announce a contribution plan in order to assist port authorities and facilities in meeting that international standard.

[Port Security, May 3rd, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada's six-point plan to strengthen marine security in fact illustrates our continued commitment to better detect, assess and respond to marine threats. This is working toward a North American solution on security which will ensure that our Canadian ports remain competitive with our U.S. neighbours.

As I said last week, in the coming days I will have the opportunity to announce a contribution plan which would assist our ports in ensuring that they can meet the security they need to do in order to maintain our international standard and our competitiveness in North America.