David Collenette

[Highway Infrastructure, April 22nd, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we have not signed the agreement with the province of Quebec on highways. The highway in the member's riding and in that of my colleague, the parliamentary secretary, who has done much for the interests of Quebecers in the House, is a priority for the government of Quebec and also for us.

[Airline Industry, April 17th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I always point out that the hon. member does not do his homework. I know he has been otherwise engaged in the last few weeks, but perhaps he missed it yesterday that I.M.P. has announced that CanJet will resume flying this summer. Perhaps he has missed the fact that Skyservice has hooked up with the largest charter operation in the country.

What he obviously does not understand is that the policy of the government, which was working before September 11 and was adversely affected by the events of September 11, is now working once again. Why will he not recognize that?

[Airline Industry, April 17th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I never cease to be amazed at the Alliance. These are the people who believe in a balanced budget. Guess who delivered a balanced budget? It was this government.

The fact is, the user charges in the airline industry have been accepted by all parties in the House. The system has worked extremely well in covering all of the various expenditures. I believe the travelling public supports the government's policy.

[Rail Transportation, April 16th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, Transport Canada sets the standards for the entire transport system countrywide. However, in this case, it is up to Via Rail management to determine the type of equipment and how it will be used.

[Physical Activity and Sport Act, April 15th, 2002]

moved that Bill C-54, an act to promote physical activity and sport, be read the second time and referred to a committee.

[Grain Transportation, April 15th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we believe that the demand is such that these hopper cars when sold will certainly be in use for the transportation of grain. We do not believe that the actual ownership will affect their utilization.

[Highway System, April 15th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, as I have already said in the House, there are many programs for funding highways throughout the country and in the Province of Quebec.

We are currently holding discussions with Quebec's Minister of Transport. I hope that an agreement will soon be reached so that the state of highways in the Province of Quebec can be improved.

[Rail Transportation, April 15th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, it is up to Via Rail management to decide on the type of equipment they want for their lines.

I am, however, prepared to discuss the matter with the president of Via Rail.

[Railways, April 12th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the current situation has occurred because RailAmerica, Inc. has now found that the lack of freight traffic means that the railway line is not justified from a profitable point of view.

From VIA's point of view, it has a contract with RailAmerica, Inc. If RailAmerica, Inc. cannot maintain the security on the track, then obviously VIA cannot continue to operate the service. VIA has offered some extra money until May 15 for local groups to have the time to get together to organize a response, working with stakeholders in the region. I hope everyone can come together for a business plan to keep this valuable service operating.

[Airport Security, April 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I know the hon. member has been otherwise engaged in the past few weeks, but he has to pay attention to the answers given by the Minister of Finance and the secretary of state for finance on the air security charge.

The hon. member has not, as usual, read the release that was put out on April 1. He does not recognize the fact that the government has tightened up regulations and has spent $100 million since September 11. The new authority has assumed liabilities of another $128 million. We will be putting $220 million into new equipment. This has to be paid for. It cannot be paid for out of thin air. Even the Alliance should understand that.