House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 67% of the vote.
Rail Transportation November 25th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, we are always concerned when a railway accident occurs or whether there is some problem as happened yesterday.
Safety is Transport Canada's top priority. There are methods of ensuring safety and there are procedures that are put in place. A full investigation is always done when an accident occurs.
I am sure that when the facts are known we will be able to determine the true cause of this particular problem.
Highways November 24th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the federal government has been involved in assisting the provinces with highway construction since 1919 so in effect a national highways program has been going on for many years.
The question is not should we have such a program but what conditions should we attach to its continuation and how much money is involved. On the specific question of taxes this is something I am sure that other colleagues will deal with, perhaps the Minister of Finance, at a later date.
There is no question that we have a program. We have just announced the extension of the agreement with New Brunswick. I hope we can continue that over the years.
Ports November 20th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I have been quite consistent. The fact is that certain allegations of wrongdoing were made. They were brought to the attention of the RCMP. They are evaluating that particular complaint and will decide whether or not to investigate.
Railway Transportation November 20th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, as I have already stated in this House, no decision has been taken on rail service at the Lévis station in the hon. member's region.
I must, however, inform the hon. member that Via Rail has asked CN to defer the decision until January 13, in order to make holiday season travel easier for everyone.
The Environment November 20th, 1997
My goodness, Mr. Speaker, I never thought that one speech in Montreal would excite the hon. member so much.
The fact is the reports of the federal government interfering in provincial jurisdictions in this area are totally wrong. We have a collaborative approach with the various transport ministries across the country which work very well. However, there is no denying that there is an urban congestion problem.
What I said in Montreal I will say here again. We want to work with the provinces and others to help relieve that problem.
Ports November 19th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I cannot think of a more thorough and impartial investigation than the one being conducted by the RCMP. It will take all these matters into consideration.
Ports November 19th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I have been informed by Ports Canada that there have been allegations of wrongdoing involving the police detachment at Halifax. This is now being looked into by the RCMP. Beyond that I have no further information.
Via Rail November 18th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I think all Canadians have a commitment to the continuation of the passenger rail service. I think VIA's management has done an outstanding job at reducing costs over the last few years.
With the level of subsidy that VIA has at its disposal, it does not have the money to refinance for new equipment. We have to find other ways. What I said in a speech yesterday is that we should look at bringing in the private sector, perhaps with some kind of franchising arrangement.
I will be asking the Standing Committee on Transport to look at all these matters in the new year so that it can give us its advice and so that there is a wide spectrum of opinion for the government to make its decisions on.
Halifax Airport November 18th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I can unequivocally guarantee the hon. member that Halifax will be treated the same way all other cities in the country have been treated in the negotiations.
I do not propose to negotiate in public. This is a matter between my officials and the Halifax Airport Authority but we have appointed a management consulting firm of accountants to give a third party opinion. I hope that all sides can be bound by the results of that study.
Pearson Airport November 4th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I think I answered the question initially.
The fact is that this was a rather complicated agreement, a complicated deal and not all of the costs were in at the time of the announcement.