Douglas Young

[Transport, June 16th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I want to assure my hon. colleague that there is no intention to dismantle the transportation system. We are trying to ensure that an integrated, affordable transportation system is available for Canadians to move both people and products.

I want to say to my hon. colleague that many people who follow the transportation scene will recognize in the commercialization approach that we are trying to maintain the involvement of the Government of Canada in a supervisory, a regulatory, a policy way in the work we are doing in transportation. We also understand that business and commercial practices have to be applied to the way we administer the transportation system.

The people who have been around here for some time have seen former ministers of transport of a Liberal stripe attempt to do these kinds of things. It is not a Tory agenda. It is an agenda designed to provide Canada with a transportation system that will support the economy that is required to pay for the social programs that are at the heart of Liberal policy.

[Air Embargo Against Haiti, June 16th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I just found out today about the allegations referred to by the hon. member. I want to say that we obviously have no control over airfares charged by airlines. However, I want to tell all the members of this House that we are very concerned by this whole issue, if those allegations are founded.

Although we do not have any regulatory power on this particular issue, it is with a great degree of sadness that we learned of this kind of situation having developed in Haiti, if in fact the allegations are correct. We will want to inquire. I am sure that the carrier in question will want to explain the facts of the situation and make sure that Canadians understand exactly what did take place.

[Air Traffic Control Communications, June 16th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker we are very proud of the air navigational system in Canada. It is as good as any system anywhere in the world.

What we attempt to do in Canada is to prevent the kinds of incidents that would be deplorable whether they occurred in Quebec or any other part of the country.

Our responsibility is to provide a first class air navigational system. That is what we do, and we can provide it from a bilingual province like New Brunswick just as well as we can provide it from anywhere in Quebec.

[Air Traffic Control Communications, June 16th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I am always surprised to see my colleague's commitment to bilingualism. To answer his question, I would reply that we always try to provide services in both official languages of Canada where it is necessary. There will always be some corridors here and there in Canada where it will be more difficult to offer services in English and French, that is in both languages.

We made all possible efforts, and I think even my hon. colleague will admit that Canada has made fantastic efforts in order to offer services in French in Quebec airspace.

[Lighthouses, June 15th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians understand that the lighthouse system, the navigational aid systems that have existed in Canada were based on systems that came in from Europe.

For example, the United Kingdom by 1997 will have completely destaffed its lighthouses. Australia and other seafaring nations around the world have understood the need for change. We recognize how important it is to the people who are directly affected.

If the hon. member is asking whether we are concerned about the impact on the human beings who are going to have their lives disrupted, lose their jobs or be shifted into other occupations, the answer is yes. Our responsibility is to deliver modern technological navigational aids to Canadians and those who use the sea. That is what we are going to do.

It would be far more useful if hon. members opposite, who are always looking at ways to try to improve the efficiency of services provided by Transport Canada at a reasonable price, would support us rather than play petty politics.

[Lighthouses, June 15th, 1994]

The question is coming from a party that is always looking for savings but does not want to listen to how we can achieve it.

We are saying that the technology available in Canada and around the world has resulted in the automation of this kind of facility in many countries. In the United States there is one lighthouse left; it is a historic one at Boston. In Australia and in the United Kingdom there has been destaffing of lighthouses. In the maritime provinces of Canada we have destaffed lighthouses.

We understand the impact of that action on the people, the men and women who have worked in this traditional activity for many years.

The Department of Transport has a fiduciary responsibility for the safety and security of those who use the sea as a means of navigation. We will are going to that obligation. We are going to make sure that the Canadian sea navigation system is as good as any in the world. Unfortunately, as we move into the 21st century, some of the practices of the past will have to be changed.

[Lighthouses, June 15th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I do not think the question of destaffing lighthouses should only be dealt with on the basis of exact and specific savings. It goes far beyond that.

[Marine Safety, June 15th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I can assure the hon. member that we will not rule out any inquiry or possible solution.

As regards the ship which is still in operation, studies or investigations will be conducted and it would certainly make sense to look back at the first incident. The Department of Transport has the responsibility to ensure the safety of those who work in such industries and sectors.

[Marine Safety, June 15th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the hon. member that since I also come from a region where fishing is a very important activity, and since I am aware of the importance of safety for those who make a living at sea, we will take every possible measure to ensure the protection and safety of fishermen.

I can understand the hon. member's concern; he is certainly aware that a coroner's report was prepared and that investigations were conducted. We will continue our efforts to ensure that a tragedy such as the one which occurred in 1990 does not happen again. We will conduct all the investigations necessary to find out what happened this time.

[Policy On Lobbyists, June 15th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, lobbyists' involvement in the Pearson deal was the subject of a thorough investigation. The Nixon Report findings are well known, and I hope the Leader of the Opposition agrees with the government's decision to cancel this contract.