Lost his last election, in 2006, with 35% of the vote.
Air Canada April 2nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I can advise the hon. member, as I have done in the past, that I expect the unions, the airline and the investors to work out their differences in order to come to a successful resolution to the Air Canada restructuring.
The CCAA process has been extended. I believe it would be counterproductive to prejudge the outcome.
National Security April 2nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, in order to deal with the security of ports, all of the ports across this country have supplied their security plans in order to meet the July 1 deadline. Those plans have been reviewed. The money in the budget, to the tune of $605 million, of which marine security is very much a part, will be allocated to meet the security plans advanced by the ports of this country. Why? Because trade is important to this country and security is very important to Canadians. The government stands behind our ports in order to compete globally.
National Security April 2nd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I would draw the hon. member's attention to the budget that was tabled in the House where $605 million was allocated for security. Marine security is part of that security envelope.
I said the other day that we would meet the July 1 target to meet the international standards. Why? Because trade is important to this country. Security is important to this country. The government will ensure that our ports are able to compete globally.
Transport Canada April 1st, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the government is committed to passenger rail. We are continuing to fund remote rail. We are continuing to fund regional rail. We believe that rail is important. It is important in terms of diversion from roads. It is important from an environmental perspective.
The government will continue to support rail as an effective mode of transportation.
National Security April 1st, 2004
Mr. Speaker, we take security very seriously. In the last budget $605 million allocated. Marine security is part of that security envelope, and Canada will meet the international requirements set for July 1. Why? Because it is important to our trade and it is important to the security and safety of Canadians.
Airport Security March 30th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, aside from the rhetoric, the member does actually put out a concern that we in fact have been dealing with in respect to port authorities. They have made their interventions. If the hon. member looks to the budget and the $605 million envelope that deals with security, he will see marine security as part of that $605 million.
In fact, what we will do is go forward and assist the ports to meet the security challenges in the future, to meet the international standard, which Canada will meet as of July 1.
Airport Security March 30th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, we certainly appreciate the Auditor General's report, but let me clarify some of what the hon. member has said.
Over the past few months, we have in fact put together some programs to ensure our commitment to enhancing our security system, such as new programs to screen non-passengers and a new agreement between Transport Canada and the RCMP to share sensitive law enforcement information, which responds directly to the Auditor General's report.
St. Lawrence Seaway March 29th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, as I have just said, we have no intention of deepening or widening the seaway.
Two studies are ongoing. We are participating in one study which deals with the ongoing maintenance of the seaway. We are participating in that study because the seaway is an integral component of the transportation system that deals with trade, which is critical to the future economic prosperity of the country.
St. Lawrence Seaway March 29th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I responded to the hon. member's question in committee.
I can reiterate in the House that the government has no intention of expanding or deepening the seaway. We are participating in a study that has to do with the future of the seaway, including environmental engineering and economic aspects that deal with the ongoing maintenance needs of the seaway, not the expansion nor the deepening of the seaway.
Transport March 25th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, members know that Canada depends on trade. One truck full of goods crosses our borders every three seconds.
With regard to the member's region, the recent federal-provincial investment of $300 million for the Windsor gateway is critical to the economy of Ontario, in particular, very important to the automotive sector.
It is clear to me that members on this side of the House and certainly members in that corner are very much committed to ensuring that uninterrupted trade flows continue to come across our borders to ensure that we can continue to trade with our neighbour to the south.