Mr. Speaker, the minister or the department can tell the hon. member that, if ever any specific information were to come to light indicating harmful effects, we would take the necessary steps.
House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 36% of the vote.
The Environment October 6th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the minister or the department can tell the hon. member that, if ever any specific information were to come to light indicating harmful effects, we would take the necessary steps.
The Environment October 6th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, once again the hon. member is asking me to misuse federal powers to interfere in areas of provincial jurisdiction. We on this side of the House find that totally unacceptable.
Airborne emissions are the responsibility of the province and of the Department of the Environment, not Fisheries and Oceans.
Fisheries September 30th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I assume the member is an expert on racism because he speaks to it often.
I want to assure him that once we heard from the court, we ended the pilot sales agreement. The decisions are now under appeal and therefore I will not discuss them. However we have been able to negotiate a selective fishing agreement with one native community.
We always look for ways to incorporate the native communities in the commercial fishery in a way that respects their culture and their rights.
The Environment September 30th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, once again, I am somewhat startled by the hon. member's request that I misuse federal legislation to encroach on provincial jurisdictions. This would mean that New Brunswick is not able to decide what is good for its people. As long as federal environmental standards are respected, it is totally within its right, and we respect its rights.
Government Assistance September 30th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for his pertinent question.
First, I would like to express my condolences to the families of the individuals killed during this terrible storm. I would like to thank all Canadians who have been working together on cleaning up, restoring power, and bringing life back to normal.
DFO staff are currently assessing the damage to wharves and fishing harbours caused by hurricane Juan. My department is committed to keeping harbours critical to the fishing industry open for business, in good repair and accessible. Priority is being given to urgent cleanups required to ensure public safety.
The Minister of National Defence, the member for Halifax West, and myself will be travelling to Nova Scotia tomorrow to meet with officials.
The Environment September 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, we are confident in New Brunswick's ability to pass its own legislation and its own regulations. With regard to the fisheries, we looked into whether waste water was being discharged into the waterways. The company amended its applications and plans. This is now a closed circuit. So, no further investigation by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is necessary.
The Environment September 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, it is surprising that we are being asked to get involved in an area of provincial jurisdiction. The province has the complete authority and ability to determine if the emissions meet federal standards, as it did. No water from the plant will be discharged into the waterways; it is a closed circuit. We will continue to monitor this company and to play our role in accordance with our responsibilities and federal legislation.
The Environment September 24th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the hon. member that the department and myself, in my role as minister, are applying the act fairly and for the benefit of all, for the benefit of the environment and for the benefit of the fish. It is not up to us to make municipal bylaws.
What he is asking me to do is to use the act to stop a project because it has its backers or its detractors. We are enforcing the regulations. When a project is not acceptable from an environmental point of view, under our regulations, we take action.
Fisheries September 23rd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, as the House knows, that decision is now under appeal before the courts, and therefore I will not comment on it.
But I would like to advise the House and assure everybody that we want to see the aboriginal people, the first people, participate in a commercial fishery and derive commercial benefits from all natural resources. We want to do it in an orderly way. We recognize that the old policy for fishermen is not the panacea, but we are willing to work actively to find a good way to the benefit of all, unlike the member opposite.
Marine Industry September 22nd, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I met with members of the coalition who propose that marine services fees be eliminated. I indicated to them that I continue to review these points of view carefully in the context of the government's national policy and its fiscal targets.
I also mentioned to the members of the coalition that I still intend to consult my cabinet colleagues as to the future direction of marine services fees. I am still pleased with the partnership between my department and the coalition.