House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 67% of the vote.
Foreign Affairs October 1st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I cannot believe, after the hon. Leader of the Opposition has welcomed the visit on Saturday, that a member of his caucus would make this kind of statement.
On Saturday Canada was united and the House of Commons was united in New York with the mayor of New York and our Prime Minister.
Airline Safety October 1st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we have the Aeronautics Act that we have used on many occasions over the last few weeks to enhance security regulations at Canadian airports.
I would ask the hon. member to look at the statements I have made, in the House of Commons, in scrums, on news shows and by being quoted accurately in the newspaper. If he reads them, then he will know that we do have a very strong security regime for airports and that we are improving it by the day.
Airline Safety October 1st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I wonder why the hon. member continues to make inaccurate statements in the House of Commons.
The fact of the matter is that the measures to enhance security that we have put in place and that we are continuing to put in place are done in concert with the FAA in the United States. The one issue of contention is perhaps our reluctance to go the route of the Americans on air marshals.
The hon. member has stood in the House for 10 days straight. He has criticized the government on security measures which are not warranted by the facts, and it is not giving confidence to air travellers in this country.
Airline Industry October 1st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, there is no question that, in dealing with this difficult issue of airline financing and restructuring, we have to look at every particular measure that will bring stability to the industry, including the 15% limit as in the Air Canada Public Participation Act.
Canadian Airline Industry October 1st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, where has my hon. friend been for the last three weeks? This has been the subject of discussion in the House of Commons. It has been in the newspapers. It has been on television and radio. I think everyone knows what the basic issues are.
However we want to know what the opposition and other members of the House feel on this particularly difficult problem. We want to know their views before the government acts.
Canadian Airline Industry October 1st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, before making any decision to help the airline industry, I think it would be wise to listen to all the arguments that will be raised by members in the House of Commons.
Airline Safety September 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, perhaps the hon. member has been too preoccupied with the integration problems of his rump group and the Conservative Party to have noticed that we have added additional security measures. They have affected hazardous materials and sharp objects on planes. There are measures dealing with access of airside workers to planes, screener training, photo ID, enhanced infiltration testing, and the strengthening of the cockpit doors as I mentioned.
Why is the opposition so intent on trying to discourage the travelling public from getting back into the air?
Airline Safety September 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, the regulation for the locking of cockpit doors was issued on September 17, the first day the House was back. Transport Canada, as the regulator in Canada, is working with the FAA and the European authorities to ensure that new design changes come into effect to strengthen cockpit doors. These will then apply to Bombardier, as our principal manufacturer, and Boeing and Airbus.
We are all working together to the same end, to the same result, which is to protect airline passengers.
Airline Safety September 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I am sorry that the hon. member from the NDP continues to denigrate unionized workers who do a very valuable job across the country screening all the baggage. These people are trained. They are re-tested every two years. If they need additional training that is something we would be prepared to look at.
Why does she continue to beat up on individuals who are trying to do their best?
Air Canada September 28th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, that is the purpose of our analysis at this time.