Art Eggleton

[National Defence, May 7th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, we want decent and affordable housing for our troops and for their families. Since the quality of life report of the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs was issued three years ago we have spent some $250 million on upgrading the housing.

This year we will spend a further $57 million and we will keep providing the allocations that are necessary until all of that housing is up to a top standard. Furthermore, we are increasing our budget in terms of our equipment expenditures. We are either replacing or upgrading just about every major piece of equipment in our inventory.

[Space Shield, May 7th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, it is not directly linked to national missile defence. It is linked to our responsibilities in NORAD in terms of surveillance. Surveillance of incoming missiles is a part of NORAD's current responsibility, so the joint space project fits in well with all that. It does not necessarily relate at all to missile defence.

[Space Shield, May 7th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, NORAD's agreement has just been renewed for a further five years between Canada and the United States. It is a very key defence document and is one that works quite well. Both countries, working together, can make sure we can survey the airspace and the outer space areas in which any object, plane or missile could affect security in North America. It will continue to be the case.

Meanwhile, we are in a consultation phase on the missile defence program and are waiting for specifics from the United States on the matter.

[National Defence, May 4th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I guess one member of parliament has made up his mind about the issue. However, the government has indicated many times that we are in a consultation process now with the United States, as it is with other allies, with Russia and with China. It has not designed the parameters of its program. It has not made a decision on that specific program. We are in the consultation phase and we will continue in that phase.

[National Defence, May 4th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, yes.

[Contaminated Sites, May 4th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said, we have taken action in this regard. We have done so in consultation with both Environment Canada and environment Quebec. We have been communicating with the local municipalities.

We will continue to take whatever action is necessary to ensure that decontamination programs are carried out and that we keep the area safe.

[Contaminated Sites, May 4th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, between 1995 and 2000 the segment of the Jacques Cartier River that is located within the limits of CFB Valcartier was completely decontaminated through a program involving several phases. There is no longer a threat that ordnance will migrate outside the perimeter of the base.

Last summer the portion of the river located in Shannon was successfully decontaminated. The department will continue to take these matters seriously and ensure that we clean up these situations.

[National Defence, May 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the contract that was awarded in 1997 provided for the disposal of surplus aviation assets by Lancaster, the successful competitor.

There was also a provision for a special project sale identified as being unique project sales which may include high dollar value items. On that basis the sale of the twin Huey helicopters and the Challengers met the conditions of the contract.

[National Defence, May 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, we have tried to get the co-operation of the hon. member to tell us what kind of information he has because we have not found anything that would in any way change the position I have taken before.

When in fact this contract was awarded to Lancaster to dispose of these aviation assets there were five bidders. There was a competition earlier this year in which it again won the contract. The assets it sold brought value to the Canadian government with the selling price being at market value.

[National Defence, April 30th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, we have said we are proceeding with this procurement process as our number one priority in terms of purchase.

We have already purchased new helicopters for search and rescue. Delivery will begin this year. We have purchased numerous other pieces of equipment: new LAV III and coyote vehicles for the army and new submarines for the navy. We have numerous amounts of new equipment.

We are working just as quickly as we can because we want to make sure that the Canadian forces have the tools and equipment they need to do their job and do it safely.