House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 67% of the vote.
Highway Infrastructure November 5th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, under previous programs, we have already invested $100 million in that highway. The hon. member is well aware that highway 50 is not part of the national highway system.
If the Government of Quebec wishes to have this highway included, the federal government will support it. The unanimous consent of all the other provinces will be required however.
Airport Security November 5th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I am glad the hon. member raised that question because today I have assigned two additional duties to the Canadian Aviation Transportation Security Authority, known as CATSA.
The first initiative is the implementation of an enhanced restricted area pass system at major airports across the country, which will include the use of centralized data banks supporting the issuance, verification, cancellation and tracking of restricted area passes. The second is the random screening of non-passengers entering restricted areas at major Canadian airports. This will build on the existing security requirement for people who have access to restricted areas at airports.
We had the safest system at our airports before the September 11. We have built on that and we are building on it again today.
Airport Security November 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I do not know where the hon. member has been while she has been travelling across the country.
Every Canadian will know that airport security has increased immeasurably since September 11, 2001. We have led the way. In fact, the Americans have followed our lead in many cases.
I know that there has been some degree of controversy about the airline charge. My colleague, the Minister of Finance, is reviewing it. I can assure the hon. member that the improvements are now on budget and on time, and if the hon. member pays more attention to security as she goes through she will see that the equipment is being deployed and there are much more rigorous standards than there were before.
Highway Infrastructure November 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is well aware that highway 50 is not part of the national highway network and, for that reason, there are no funds in the infrastructure program for the improvement of that highway. Such improvements are the responsibility of the Quebec government, and I hope that the province will fulfill its responsibility.
Social Housing November 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out to the hon. member that the government has done an outstanding job in providing affordable housing for Canadians. In fact, we have annual subsidies of $1.9 billion for housing, we announced $680 million in the throne speech and we now have 10 out of 12 agreements signed by the provinces and territories across the country.
The hon. member can get as upset as she wants, but the people of Montreal, the people of Quebec, as with others across the country, will benefit from this very enlightened housing policy.
Airline Industry November 1st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is correct. Under Bill C-26, Air Canada was obliged to serve those communities served by Canadian Airlines and Air Canada on December 21, 1999. That expires January 4, 2003, and it has given notice to terminate service to some communities.
Our experience has been that when an airline leaves a community with the sufficient notice as provided for in Bill C-26, other carriers come in. In his own province, Provincial Airlines and Air Labrador have immediately announced that they will fill the vacuum. That shows the airline policy is working.
Grain Transportation November 1st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member's question is timely because I met with the coalition yesterday. We had a very fruitful meeting. We explored all the options. I would hope in the coming months as we outline the transportation blueprint and introduce amendments to the Canada Transportation Act we could also deal with the issue of the disposition of these hopper cars.
Public Safety October 31st, 2002
Public Safety October 31st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, there is a very good reason for that. After reflection and debate in the House, the government listened to members on this side and on the other side and improved the legislation. That is why we introduced Bill C-17 today, an improved bill that will guarantee our security.
Official Languages October 31st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the response of my colleague is totally accurate with respect to the official language provisions as they apply to Air Canada. Transport Canada regulations provide that security briefings be given in both languages at all times. It also provides that those persons seated at an exit understand and be fully conversant with the flight crew.
It is not a question of the safety regulations, as my colleague, the minister, has just said. It is a question of whether Air Canada has enough bilingual personnel to do the safety job, and that is in question.