House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 67% of the vote.
Air Transport February 5th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, regional air services are very important to this government and to this parliament. That is why we have included in Bill C-26 a guarantee to maintain service for three years.
I have discussed the Magdalen Islands situation with Air Canada's President, Mr. Milton, and he has assured me that the service could be maintained, for a time at least, while we re-examine our air policy.
The Environment February 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, it is nice to know that Alliance members are concerned about environmental matters. Certainly, if we looked at their voting record in parliament, that obviously would not be the case.
Jesting aside, this is a serious matter. If fines have to be increased, they will certainly be increased. Canada has a regime in inspecting ship source pollution second to none in the world. We will look into this particular matter and see what can be done.
The Environment February 4th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has a right to be concerned about tankers that ply international waters and spill their waste. He would give recognition to the fact that Canada is a signatory to the Paris MOU and the Tokyo MOU to ensure that standards are maintained and improved and that they are enforced around the world.
With respect to individual fines, these are matters under constant review. I certainly note the hon. member's representations and will discuss them with my officials.
Airline industry February 1st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, we have always been committed to a viable and competitive domestic air industry. It is even more important after the events of September 11. That is why today I am announcing that the government will extend its indemnification for third party aviation war risk liability for essential aviation service operators in Canada. This extension will be based upon the same terms and conditions for a period of 45 days until March 21. Obviously we cannot have our airports and airlines in the country in jeopardy at this very difficult moment.
Question No. 92— January 30th, 2002
The Vancouver Port authority, VPA, is responsible for managing the commercial operations of the port, including leasing arrangements, with a view to the best interests of the port authority.
According to the VPA, the application by Lafarge to develop a marine bulk loading facility and integrated concrete batch plant on the site remains under review.
National Security January 29th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, we shall shortly be introducing legislation to deal with the new security agency. It mandates a number of changes. There will be federally regulated employees discharging security rather than what is done now.
We believe that this allows airport authorities and various security regimes across the country the flexibility that is required to operate a very good and safe system but, more important, the security oversight, which we maintain has always been very good, of airport security will be enhanced by this new agency, financed by this new charge.
Question No. 93— January 29th, 2002
Transport Canada: The site in question is non-federal land held by the Vancouver Port Authorithy VPA, rather than the federal crown, and, as such, it is possible that provincial and municipal legislation applies to some extent. Whether there is an exemption depends on the nature of the specific activity and whether the activity is being conducted by the VPA or a private sector entity. If the VPA is conducting the activity, it depends on whether or not the VPA is acting as an agent of the crown in respect of the activity. It also depends on the nature of the use and the nature of the provincial or municipal legislation and its impact on the use.
Transport Canada is not aware of the VPA requesting a legal opinion on this issue, and while appropriate officials, including those of the Department of Justice have been consulted on this matter, the department has not requested an opinion on this issue.
The Federal Real Property and Immovables Act does not define “Other Real Property”, but the Canada Marine Act does permit theVPA to hold property other than federal real property , provided that property is set out in the VPA's letters patent. There are several provisions of the letters patent which suggest that the VPA is authorized to construct the proposed plant.
Question No. 91— January 29th, 2002
Transport Canada: The Vancouver Port Authority, VPA, is required to comply with its letters patent, regulations and bylaws, as well as all other applicable statutes and regulations.
The VPA has indicated that the application by Lafarge to construct a ready mix concrete plant on land held in the name of the Vancouver Port Authority remains under review by the port authority and that no determination has yet been made with regard to this.
The VPA has indicated that it is conducting an open and comprehensive process that involves input from VPA staff, independent expert consultants, external environmental agencies, the City of Vancouver and the general public. Under the management arrangements that have been established with Canada Port Authorities, the VPA's board of directors has the obligation to properly discharge its responsibility for the management of the application process.
The VPA, its directors and officers, are mandated to properly discharge their responsibilities to comply with applicable federal and provincial enviromental legislation.
Under the Canada Marine Act, remediation of the land is not required, although section 61 requires the VPA to take appropriate measures for the maintenance of safety within the port, and the VPA's directors and officers are to comply with applicable federal and provincial regulations when warranted.
Question No. 90— January 29th, 2002
Transport Canada: The Vancouver Port Authority, VPA, was established in 1999, under the Canada Marine Act, to manage the port of Vancouver. The port authority is required to comply with the act and its letters patent.
As part of the management arrangements that have been established between Canada Port Authorities and the federal goverment, the VPA is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the port and for making commercial decisions that are in the best interest of the port authority.
With regard to an agreement between the Vancouver Port Authority, the City of Vancouver and Lafarge, and subsequent changes to that agreement, the port authority has advised that there are no liabilities to the VPA or the federal government.
Minister for International Cooperation December 14th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, this is what we get every day from the Alliance members. They make allegations but do not give the minister a chance to explain her actions.
Furthermore, what has the member done this morning? He has attacked the integrity of a public servant, the ethics counsellor, and he should be ashamed of himself.