House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 67% of the vote.
Highway System November 19th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance and all my cabinet colleagues are well aware of the need to improve the Canadian highway system.
This, however, is a matter of fiscal priorities and a matter to be debated among Canadians and among government members. But as soon as we are in a financial position to do so, I think we will start with a highway reconstruction program.
Road Transportation November 18th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the two highways in question are part of a national road network. I have said publicly not only here but also to the provincial ministers that if funds are available, then there will be another national highway program. If the provinces allocate funds to those particular highways, that would be their decision, if those funds are available.
Canada Port Authorities November 17th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, we are setting up 18 Canada port authorities across the country and they are all being treated in the same way. They are all being treated fairly, according to the dictates of the law.
There are many inaccuracies in the hon. member's question.
First of all, the interests that he claims were not on the advisory group are represented. The Chamber of Commerce is represented. Local business is represented. Trade unions are represented. They are all represented. What he is doing is getting sucked into a local partisan political debate in Halifax. I would have thought he was above that.
Transport November 5th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I am surprised the hon. member is asking this question today. We had two hours in committee yesterday. I told him that what the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia governments had done with respect to the tolls on sections of the highways in those provinces was perfectly legitimate and within the powers of the provinces to put into effect. They did not violate any federal-provincial agreements.
I also said that we would look at all future federal-provincial cost sharing to take into account private-public partnerships as to whether or not federal funds should be allotted to such highways where tolls are levied.
Railway Safety Act November 5th, 1998
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-58, an act to amend the Railway Safety Act and to make a consequential amendment to another act.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Air Transportation November 2nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, there is no question that the service period involved has been revealed. I believe in the Air Canada accident some time ago it was inordinately long.
This is one of the aspects of the regulation that will be looked at by the committee in developing the new regime under which all these planes will operate.
Air Safety November 2nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member I am sure forgets that some months ago I made this assurance. In fact, the committee on air regulations has been meeting with the industry to make sure this goes into effect. There are meetings happening in the next few weeks.
I think the hon. member's point is well taken, but he is a little late. We have already announced that decision.
Housing October 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, there is quite a concern regarding homelessness across the country. It affects not only the larger communities but it also affects smaller towns.
There is a long term solution and a short term solution. The long term solution involves not only the federal government, the provincial government but also the municipal government. It deals with matters of social assistance. It deals with the issues of cutbacks as a result of government belt tightening. It also deals with the deinstitutionalization of many people who were in hospitals but are now on the streets.
This is a complex problem and we should all work together to solve it.
Pearson International Airport October 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has raised a number of concerns which are not valid.
First of all, Pearson airport is operating safely. There have been some problems but our officials have been on the spot around the clock looking at the safety issues during this labour dispute.
What is of great concern is there appears to have been a criminal act conducted on the approach lights. That is being investigated not only by Transport Canada but by the local police because this could be a criminal matter.
Transport October 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, once again the hon. member has his facts wrong. All the local interest groups in Halifax have been consulted as to the selection of members for this board. They will reflect a broad range of interests dealing with users.
The hon. member should go back to Halifax, talk with those individuals and generate a good selection of candidates so we will be able to have a first class board that will lead Halifax into the post-panamax world.