House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 67% of the vote.
Air Transport November 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, that is the purpose of our policy. It is very important to have airline competition in Canada.
This is why we are currently looking at amendments to the Competition Act, in order to enable the commissioner to implement a system that would encourage competition.
Public Safety Act November 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I answered this question last week.
Canadians want to know that in any urgent situation the government can act very swiftly in the national interest. There are legitimate safeguards in the legislation, Bill C-42, including the gazetting of the regulations, including a limit on the regulations, including the fact that the regulations are subject to judicial appeal. All the safeguards are there.
Public Safety Act November 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we certainly are very sensitive to the legitimate concerns raised by the hon. member. In fact, officials of my department have met with the privacy commissioner. I am sure he will have some comment on this particular clause to amend the Aeronautics Act. It would be our intention by Friday, if the House agrees to the splitting of Bill C-42, to bring in some draft intent of the regulations that would follow from this particular section in the new bill.
Airline Industry November 27th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, when we offered the loan guarantee of $75 million to Canada 3000, it was done on the belief that it was bridge financing to allow Canada 3000 over a difficult patch, so it could get to revenues that were locked up by virtue of the various tour and charter regulations under the provincial and federal governments.
That loan guarantee for Canada 3000, which could have been accessed by some of the other larger carriers covering 95% of the market, was there for that specific purpose. It is not our intention to extend that program to new entrants into the field.
Airline Industry November 27th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, what happened to Canada 3000 it is indeed regrettable . The bankruptcy was something that no one wanted. In fact it was this government that offered $75 million by way of loan guarantees.
However, before we dispensed with the taxpayers' money, we wanted to make sure there was a viable business plan so that money would not just disappear and Canada 3000 would not come back six months into the future and ask for another $75 million.
All those things were analyzed and unfortunately Canada 3000 could not put forward a business plan to bring profitability to that particular airline.
Public Transportation November 27th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, through the infrastructure program there have been three of them in the mandate of this government. It has been quite possible for municipalities to apply those funds to municipal transit.
I might remind the hon. member that constitutionally the federal government has never had responsibility for municipal transit in this country but it was this government in the red book and in the throne speech that said it would work with provinces and municipalities to assist with public transit. That is something that is underway. The member for York West is chairing a task force for the Prime Minister on this. I think in the next year members will see the fruit of our labours.
Public Safety November 27th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows Bill C-42 does allow for regulations to be made in urgent situations, with all the normal parliamentary and legal safeguards.
I think the hon. member is reading too much into the bill. I think Canadians want a government to act firmly and decisively when there is an urgent problem, as we had on September 11, and not debate the semantics.
Airline Security November 22nd, 2001
No, Mr. Speaker, because we have a final appeal to the courts. That is the protection that exists in the system.
Airline Security November 22nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, this is a bill that provides protection, that makes improvements to legislation, not just to the Aeronautics Act, but also to other acts. It is a measure that is needed to protect Canadians.
Airline Security November 22nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, as I explained in an answer to the earlier question, the fact is that interim orders are required, not just for transport but for other departments, to deal with urgent situations. Ministers would have to obtain approval from the governor in council within 90 days after the order is made. The order would only be valid for one year. It would have to be published in the Canada Gazette within 23 days. Among other things, all this would be subject to judicial review.