David Collenette

[Highways, February 3rd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member and the report in the newspaper took great licence with what I said. I congratulate the hon. member for bringing forward a genuine concern which is how we should adapt our future highway agreements to take into account the possibilities of partnerships with the private sector.

When this agreement was signed there were no such restrictions. I have been assured by the Government of New Brunswick that the federal contribution of $32 million will not be taken into account with the toll pricing mechanism. All of the conditions of the original agreement have faithfully been met.

[Trans-Canada Highway, February 3rd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I think the hon. leader of the Conservative Party should choose his words rather carefully.

The former minister of transport exercised his duties to the best of his ability. The former minister of transport is now in the private sector and has complied with all of the ethical guidelines set out by the prime minister.

This agreement certainly raises questions with respect to the general policy as to whether we should ensure if tolls are to be put into agreements that other arrangements are made, but there is nothing wrong with this agreement.

[Trans-Canada Highway, February 3rd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, the federal government contributed $32 million to this highway. Under the auspices of that agreement it certainly did not envisage that tolls would be put on that road.

The hon. member for the Conservative Party from Colchester raised some very valid points about the need, now that we are going into private sector partnerships in highway building, to make sure that this kind of situation is planned for in future agreements.

As far as the government is concerned the agreement has been executed faithfully and there is no particular problem in the way it has been set up.

[Victoria Bridge, December 11th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate it was only three weeks ago that CN came to us and said that we should pay for the cost of the repairs. Otherwise the bridge would be closed to all traffic on March 1. That is why we replied by saying we would offer commercial arbitration.

We hope CN will accept that and then the money will be available for the repairs. In the meantime, not to inconvenience all those people who we are concerned about in Montreal, the repairs could go ahead. I asked CN to accept a commercial arbitrator.

[Victoria Bridge, December 11th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, Transport Canada first learned in 1994 that CN intended to repair the Victoria Bridge, instead of building a new facility.

CN had said that repairs to the road section would not begin until next year. The closing of the bridge was never discussed with CN in our negotiations to find a solution to the financing of the project before work begins.

[Infrastructure, December 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, there has been federal assistance for highways going back to 1919. In fact, we have about $2.3 billion in programs now entrained which will last until 2003. In the case of Ontario, I believe about $213 million is in the current program, which will expire next year.

The availability of funds is always a key question and obviously the hon. member knows that we have been trying to balance the financial books of the government. When the finances are in order, I hope that the government will be able to spend once again on highway construction beyond the present agreements.

[Nav Canada, December 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, this very tragic accident occurred only last night.

Transportation Safety Board officials are yet to be on the scene. They will be conducting a thorough review and Transport Canada will be participating and helping them along with others.

Once we get the facts on this case I am sure we can address some of the hon. member's questions.

[Nav Canada, December 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, we all regret these occurrences when they happen. Obviously an investigation is required to determine the facts.

I think it is misleading the Canadian public when we give the impression that all air strips Canada have or should have air traffic controllers and air traffic control facilities. Many airports are under visual flight rules. Obviously that means in certain types of weather accidents sometimes occur. All these—

[Canadian National, December 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I have learned that the CN intends to close the Victoria Bridge to buses for safety reasons.

Under an agreement with the CN, the Government of Canada has been paying a portion of maintenance costs for 35 years. However, because of the dispute with the CN over financial responsibility for repairs, we are prepared to go to commercial arbitration. In the meantime, we have offered over $6 million and asked CN to begin work immediately.

[Search And Rescue, December 10th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, I am sure everyone in the House joins in offering our condolences to the families of all of those who have been injured, as well as to the families of the deceased.

The weather conditions have been particularly bad in the area but I was informed just before question period that the Hercules was able to get in and complete its mission.

Transport Safety Board representatives will be there as soon as possible with Transport Canada representatives to fully investigate this very unfortunate crash.