David Collenette

[Government Contracts, October 4th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, not only is the hon. member content to malign the Solicitor General but he is also maligning the ethics counsellor, someone who has served his country also with distinction and whose reputation is beyond repute. I would ask: Is the Conservative Party so bereft of ideas, is it so lacking of the issues facing this country that all it can do is stand here in question period and try to malign an honourable minister of the Crown?

[Government Contracts, October 4th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the government, I take great umbrage at the insinuations of the hon. member's question.

The Solicitor General has served this country with distinction in a number of posts. Yesterday he undertook to put the facts of this matter before the House. He issued a statement before question period which is a full statement. The matter will be looked into by the ethics counsellor. The hon. member has done what he said he would do.

I would ask the hon. member to get on to the important affairs of state and not just muddy the waters, as he loves to do.

[Highway Infrastructure, October 2nd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, before signing the agreement with the Government of Quebec, it is necessary to put in place all the measures for studying the situation. We have begun with the environmental and traffic studies. That is what I said yesterday.

[Highway Infrastructure, October 1st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, to reassure the hon. member, the Government of Canada is working on the extension of highway 30 in partnership with the private sector and the provincial government.

We have begun the environmental and the traffic studies. I have no doubt that this highway will be extended shortly.

[Transportation, June 18th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, it is quite obvious that commuter rail is becoming a necessity for our larger cities. Of course with the federal jurisdiction and regulation of the railways, we are able to do something about it. In fact the CTA review panel made specific recommendations and I will be asking the advice of hon. members before we bring in amendments to that act this fall.

On the specific question with respect to the petition by West Coast Express, obviously as it is before the governor in council, it would be inappropriate to comment except to say that we will be dealing with it as expeditiously as possible.

[Airline Security, June 18th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, that was such an eclectic question but I will deal with the air aspects of it.

The hon. member has sat in the House for the last year and has seen the kind of security measures that we have introduced, especially in the wake of the tragedies of September 11. I believe Canadians understand that security is needed and that we have put in the measures required. I think that is why they are flying once again.

The hon. member is quite off base. I should say parenthetically that Canadians have demonstrated that they are prepared to pay a charge if they get the service and they are getting very good security service.

[Shipping, June 14th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, all of the fees will be examined by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and myself. The situation facing the industry on the St. Lawrence River is very serious.

I would like to assure the hon. member that the government is concerned about the situation and that we will act.

[Government Contracts, June 14th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I am surprised at the language used by the right hon. member in this case. He is a man of great experience. He has smeared an entire government and a Prime Minister who has served this country with distinction for eight years.

We have led this country through difficult times. The Prime Minister has been there. He has been one whose integrity cannot be impugned.

The right hon. member should withdraw those comments and withdraw them right now.

[Wharf Maintenance, June 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, safety is the priority for Transport Canada. I regret to inform the hon. member that the facility he referred to is not safe.

It is my duty and that of my officials to ensure the safety of all ferry passengers. We realize this is a very difficult situation for the local people, particularly the workers.

[Transportation, June 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, this is a very important question and I am glad the hon. member asked it. It is very important for the citizens of Atlantic, especially British Columbia.

Transport Canada has been extremely diligent with enforcing the port state control program to eradicate substandard shipping. In fact last year we detained 92 vessels where we had enough evidence to warrant detention.

This substandard shipping is a threat not only to the marine environment but to the economy as well and to crew members. That is why we are committed to working with other nations to improve port state control. We are the only member of the Tokyo and Paris MOUs on port state control. Canada gives leadership in this field.