Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand this morning to sponsor the legislation entitled an act to amend certain acts of Canada and to enact measures for implementing the biological and toxin weapons convention in order to enhance public safety. In all, the bill involves 20 acts of parliament, 19 that will be amended and 1 that will be enacted.
The bill would be known as the public safety act and would promote and protect public safety and strengthen the government's ability to improve the safety of Canadians. It is another step in the Canadian government's fight against terrorism.
Governments from everywhere had to act quickly and ensure they had the tools to protect the safety and security of their people after the tragic events of September 11. This is the second omnibus bill that, once enacted, will increase the security of Canadians.
In many cases the act brings forward amendments that were already being developed during normal reviews of these laws prior to September 11. As I have said on a number of occasions, this certainly is the case for the Aeronautics Act coming from my department. However, the attacks in the United States have result in normal reviews being accelerated to address the new security demands.
The public safety act adds features to much of the legislation which may be needed to prevent or respond to security issues. For example, those things that are being added include the clarification and, in some cases, the strengthening of existing aviation security authorities. The act would discourage unruly passengers, more commonly known as air rage, by making it an offence to engage in any behaviour that endangers the safety or security of a flight or persons on board an aircraft.
The act would require air carriers or those operating aviation reservation systems to provide basic information on specific passengers on flights when it is needed for security purposes.
The act would speed implementation of various security amendments already made to the Immigration Act.
The act would require licences for activities related to dangerous biological substances such as anthrax.
The act would deter irresponsible hoaxes that endanger the public or heighten public anxiety.
The act would establish tighter controls over explosives.
The act would provide for control over the export and transfer of sensitive technology.
The act would prevent unauthorized use or interference with national defence computer systems and the act would deter the proliferation of biological weapons.
The government has responded quickly and effectively to the serious threats to our society. Transport Canada in particular has responded to the horrible events of September 11 by immediately closing Canadian air space and in the co-ordination of accepting of 226 diverted aircraft carrying more than 33,000 passengers.
The government announced a wide range of new measures to enhance the security of operations at Canadian airports. I have no hesitation in saying here today, given the evidence that I have received from travellers in the business community, that Canada's standards remain among the best in the world.
The Government of Canada provided a 90 day indemnity for third party war and terrorism liability for essential aviation service operators.
The government announced a $160 million program to compensate Canadian air carriers and specialty air operators for losses resulting from the closure of Canadian air space.
The Government of Canada offered loan guarantees to assist Canada's major carriers.
Many of my colleagues in the House, including those on the Standing Committee on Transport and Government Operations, have been debating the issues of airport security, screening at airports and who will be responsible to monitor and cover these costs. This comes up quite frequently in question period, particularly yesterday.
I have always said that the priority after September 11 was to ensure that tougher airport security regulations were put in place and that they were enforced. However, I would like to reiterate to my colleagues that the very important issues that have been raised on how to deliver the services and how they are to be paid are the subject of cabinet debate. It is obvious this will have serious implications for the fiscal framework. Therefore, our decision will be rendered soon but not in today's legislation.
Since September 11, we have made decisive progress. The bill on public security is yet another commitment taken by the government to assure Canadians that we are taking the necessary measures to increase our country's security. This is the second of a number of steps that will follow.
The bill presents a package of legislative measures designed to protect Canadians from the horrors of terrorism. However, it is not an end in itself. We should not fool ourselves. The movement to combat terrorism will require a patient and sustained effort. What better challenge is there than to unite all of us who believe in a free and democratic society. That is what the government and parliament have been doing since the events of September 11. We have been united in our determination to stare down terrorism as it manifests itself around the world.
I have welcomed the constructive criticisms that have come from the opposition and from colleagues in our party over the last number of weeks. I would like to invite all members of the House, and particularly the opposition, to join with us in our efforts by continuing that constructive debate, that continuing consideration in every facet of the legislation and to do our due diligence but to ensure that we have speedy passage.