Mr. Speaker, it is very important to have all repairs done before next operating season. I hope that, for next summer, the ferry service between Trois-Pistoles and Les Escoumins will be in place.
I think this is the result everyone is looking for.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 67% of the vote.
Ferries October 21st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, it is very important to have all repairs done before next operating season. I hope that, for next summer, the ferry service between Trois-Pistoles and Les Escoumins will be in place.
I think this is the result everyone is looking for.
Ferries October 21st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as I said previously, we are studying the situation. I hope to soon be able to state that we will be repairing the wharf at Les Escoumins.
Committee Business and Reinstatement of Government Bills October 4th, 2002
Congratulations, Madam Speaker, I will see you on the court. I have noticed, contrary to the days of yore, that this particular rule is being applied somewhat laxly and therefore I thought that one could come into the seat as long as one's side was not starting to vote, but I have consulted with my colleague, the government House leader, who deems that my vote was inappropriate. I ask that it be withdrawn.
Committee Business and Reinstatement of Government Bills October 4th, 2002
Minister of Transport, Madam Speaker. I mean, do I have hair, Madam Speaker? Am I running for the leadership?
Grain Transportation October 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I have met with representatives of the coalition over the last year or so. I spoke with one of their key people this summer.
I can assure the hon. member that those cars will not be disposed of unless we have full consultation with all interested stakeholders, including the coalition of which he speaks.
Government Contracts October 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the Solicitor General issued a statement today and put all the facts before the House. He has answered a number of questions. I think we should allow those facts to speak for themselves.
I find it rather ironic that the right hon. member from Calgary talks about strategic advice. His whole career has been patterned on not following any strategic advice at any time.
Regional Air Transportation October 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, this is certainly not the case. When Air Canada decided to leave a number of communities in Newfoundland, and it gave notice under the law passed by the House, Provincial Airlines and Air Labrador announced the next day that they would provide service to those communities and more frequent service.
Our experience has been, ever since deregulation came in a number of years ago, that when air carriers leave a particular community or a particular market others follow.
We are concerned about some communities, in particular, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and St. Leonard, New Brunswick, where it does not appear at the moment that other carriers will go in. However there are alternative airports with--
Regional Air Transportation October 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is well aware that after the merging of Canadian Airlines and Air Canada, we set up a system, under Bill C-26, to protect services to small communities across the country, for a period of three years.
Air Canada now has the right to leave any city. In our opinion, if Air Canada stops serving a small community, it will be replaced by another carrier in that community.
We saw it happen in Newfoundland, for example, and in other communities across the country.
Government Contracts October 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the ethical standards followed by ministers in this government are extremely high. We have not had a case where an accusation has been made and has been proven. There have been allegations made against ministers, unproven allegations.
I would hope that hon. members opposite would get down to asking questions about the real issues. Where are the questions about foreign policy? Where are the questions about national unity? Where are the questions on the throne speech? Where are the questions on the economy? The opposition is bereft of ideas and is showing it.
Government Contracts October 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as I have said, the hon. Solicitor General has issued a statement that explains fully the context of the issue. The ethics counsellor is going to look into the issue. I would say that we should let that particular inquiry play out. Let us accept the explanations of the hon. Solicitor General, which are made in good faith. There is no wrongdoing here. Everything has been done according to appropriate guidelines.