David Collenette

[Highway Infrastructure, February 21st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I would ask the hon. member to be patient. We have an infrastructure program in the budget for 2000. So far, unfortunately, Quebec has not agreed with the provisions of this program. This morning, I spoke with Mr. Ménard about the agreement, and I hope that it will soon be signed.

An infrastructure fund was also announced by the Minister of Finance in the last budget. We are going to look at the whole file in order to ensure improved transportation throughout Canada.

[Highway Infrastructure, February 21st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I have no problem with the question. It is clear that the Government of Canada thinks that highway 30 is a priority, not only for Montreal and Quebec City, but for all of Canada. We are determined to go ahead with this project.

This morning, I met with my counterpart, Mr. Ménard. We are in agreement on a process to improve all highway systems in the province of Quebec.

[Highway Infrastructure, February 20th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we have an infrastructure program, and unfortunately the government of Quebec does not agree with the current agreement. On Thursday I am going to meet with Mr. Ménard, my counterpart in Quebec, and perhaps there will be some progress on this issue.

[Highway System, February 18th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member is well aware, highways are a provincial responsibility.

If this is a priority for the Government of New Brunswick or for the Government of Quebec, there are funds now available in the program for assistance with major highways. The Minister of Finance gave $600 million for this two years ago.

[Municipalities, February 18th, 2002]

No, Mr. Speaker. Clearly I have other responsibilities today. I am simply saying, and it is my own opinion, that we are in need of changes to the constitution to help municipalities. The current environment makes any such changes very difficult.

[Transport, February 18th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, this is now the third time the hon. member for Windsor--St. Clair has become an apologist for the Mike Harris government and the fact that the Harris Tories have taken away transit funding for three or four years.

They have decided under great pressure to come back with 30 cent dollars. The federal government will not make up for that shortfall. The Harris Tories have to fund transit to its fullest before we do anything to help.

[Airline Industry, February 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, there are so many untruths in that particular statement that it would take an hour to give a factual answer. The fact is that under the new air security regime we will enhance standards. We will have federally regulated employees from coast to coast. They will be better paid and do a better job. They will be discharging the will of the House as enunciated by the hon. member and other hon. members.

This agency will do its job and will continue to give Canada the best air service in the world.

[Airline Industry, February 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, it must be embarrassing for the constituents of the hon. member for him to come into the House day in and day out not having done his homework, not understanding the national airports policy and not understanding the fact that his party supported the government on the airline policy which has been a success despite September 11.

Why does this member not do his homework, get the facts and engage in legitimate debate instead of acting like a buffoon in the House?

[Highway Infrastructure, February 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we have an infrastructure program for the country's highways. It is quite possible to allocate funds to the Canada-Quebec and Canada-New Brunswick agreements to upgrade this highway in New Brunswick.

I am sorry, as are all my colleagues, that the lives of four children were lost in an accident. This is a very serious situation, but highways can be improved. We have the funds and we intend to use them in co-operation with the provinces.

[Airport Security, February 7th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I am glad the hon. member raised that question. Transport Canada does not conduct racial profiling and we will never do so. We will respect the basic dignity of Canadians no matter what their racial origin. This is the hallmark of the government. It will be the hallmark of the new security agency that will soon be established.