House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1993, with 66% of the vote.
Railway Transportation November 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, there is no question that the well-known events described by the hon. member are disturbing. We asked VIA Rail, which is conducting an internal investigation, to take all necessary measures on a provisional basis to try to correct the shortcomings that have come to light especially after the accident that occurred between Montreal and Toronto.
We will make every effort to assure to the extent possible the safety of passengers and employees travelling on VIA trains.
Canadian National November 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, the practice at CN which is a crown corporation is compatible with what has gone on in the private sector. There is also precedent at CN.
With respect to the question dealing with the evaluation of the property, I will see if we can clarify the situation and find out if it resembles in any respect what taxpayers have to do with Mr. Parizeau's home in Quebec City.
Canadian National November 22nd, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the arrangement the hon. member has alluded to with respect to the interest free loan is not one that comes directly under the responsibility of the Government of Canada. The remuneration for the president of CN is a matter for the Government of Canada and it is set by order in council.
With respect to any arrangements for the financing of a home, that is a matter between the president of Canadian National and the board of CN.
The hon. member knows this is a precedent which has been set over a number of years with CN. It also occurs quite frequently in the private sector.
Railway Transportation November 21st, 1994
Mr. Speaker, everyone who is aware of what happened on the weekend in the Gaspé and on the route between Toronto and Montreal is obviously very, very concerned. The matter is under investigation. It is being investigated by the appropriate police forces and by the transportation board.
What is very important in matters of this kind, because we are dealing with literally thousands of miles of rail in this country, is to make sure that every precaution is taken by the appropriate authorities and that we not raise unnecessary fears but that we do maintain every degree of surveillance we can to ensure that these very unfortunate incidents do not reoccur.
Particularly to those people who were injured in the incident on the VIA line between Montreal and Toronto, we extend our deep concerns. I agree with my hon. colleague that everything that can humanly be done should be done.
I do want to say to my hon. colleague, to members of the House, and to Canadians generally that in dealing with matters of this nature it does not serve any useful purpose to speculate. We can only hope that if there was any mischief involved in it that it will not be repeated. I want to assure the House that every appropriate step will be taken to ensure the safety of Canadians travelling on VIA and by other modes of general transport in the country.
Pearson International Airport November 18th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, if the question was not so serious because of the importance of Pearson, I would be tempted to contrast the approach the Reform Party takes to taxing Canadian taxpayers with a $445 million bill which would be the result. If the contract was found to be valid, entered into in good faith, damages awarded, it could be $445 million.
I am tempted to contrast that with the view of Reformers when they are dealing with some of the questions they bring up here where they show no respect for the law and no respect for the courts, but they want their friends who are involved in this deal to be in the courts so that they can rip us off for $445 million.
Quebec City Bridge November 18th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member said that the Quebec City bridge he is referring to belongs to Canadian National. If repairs are needed-and I readily accept what the hon. member said about the condition of the bridge-, we will ask CN to review the matter and see if it is possible to announce the measures they will take to try to repair the bridge.
Canadian National November 18th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, in listening to the member's question I can only say to him and to other members that I will take steps today to check to see what happened in the member's particular situation.
But I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, and even my friends the Reformers who I know are not in favour of writing letters-they do not put pen to paper very often, they do everything by telephone-I will ensure that the officials of Canadian National respond rapidly and appropriately to all members of Parliament on all sides of the House.
Air Safety November 18th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, this whole issue of safety is a very important one. It is the primary responsibility of the Department of Transport. I can assure my hon. colleague that we will continue to exercise all due diligence to ensure that all air carriers abide by the existing regulations.
Problems can always arise, but, as far as possible, we want to leave no doubt in the minds of Canadians and foreigners travelling in Canada as to the safety and efficiency of our air transportation system.
Air Safety November 18th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, when the issue was raised, as the hon. member pointed out, we looked into the matter. There were indeed deficiencies in the control system. There were problems and these were corrected.
I want to reassure my hon. colleague that not only was the situation looked into, but that appropriate corrective action was taken and the company now operates within the regulations issued by Transport Canada.
Air Transportation November 18th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I repeat my concern for the rights of companies and the shareholders of those companies to have an opportunity to deal with the issues raised by the hon. member.
There is a competition bureau as well as the National Transportation Agency. I would think that members of the opposition would understand why a minister of the crown would be very hesitant to consider directing those agencies. They are quasi-judicial agencies of which we have heard a great deal from the opposition over the past few weeks.
If there is a legitimate grievance that reflects the concerns raised by the hon. member, the chambers of commerce or interested citizens should direct their complaints and the allegations that have been referred to by the hon. member directly to the competition bureau and/or the National Transportation Agency. They can be dealt with by those quasi-judicial agencies
that have to operate under their own rules under the law and not under the direction of any minister of the crown.