Lisa Raitt

[Search and Rescue, April 2nd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I take offence that the hon. member would think it is useless to conduct studies and to ensure we are putting in place the right type of framework in order to save Canadians' lives.

What I can say is this. The report recommended that Transport Canada consider the use of emergency beacons in other modes of transportation. It initiated consultations with stakeholders, in 2013, as was recommended. Based on those consultations, my officials are doing a risk assessment to ensure that we do the right thing in this matter.

[Search and Rescue, April 2nd, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, emergency locator transmitters are mandatory on all aircraft in Canada, and the band that is used is 121.5 MHz. That is accepted under our current regulations. As well, it is also used and monitored by search and rescue officials to help what we want to do, which is to find Canadians who are in distress so we can make the difference between life and death.

[Canada-U.S. Relations, April 1st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I welcome the opportunity to talk about this incredible project because this is a project that is going to help to create jobs. It is going to add to our growth and our long-term prosperity. It is an incredibly ambitious and bold project, and I am very proud of the work that our government is doing on it and has done on it.

Indeed, we have included money in the budget for 2014 to ensure we can move ahead on this project and get it done. Of course, we are committed to paying our fair share, and we expect as well that the United States will pay and be responsible for its share. We will continue to talk with our partners in the U.S., and we will continue to work on this bridge.

[Canada Post, April 1st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Canada Post has, through this government, a charter which it upheld, and it indicates in the charter the service levels that are expected. Because of the complaints we have been receiving recently, we have asked the department to contact Canada Post, because it is an arm's-length organization, to report to us on its efforts, and indeed on its progress with respect to this charter.

[Rail Transportation, April 1st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the government has done several things in this area. Most notably, two months ago we introduced new regulations for grade crossings to ensure that there is a communication and an understanding between municipalities and railroads about the appropriate way to ensure that types of traffic are separated from one another.

Second, we also provide funding for municipalities to ensure that they can upgrade their rail crossings to protect the children around the area.

Third, we fund Operation Lifesaver to make sure we communicate and educate kids about being around rail lines.

[Rail Transportation, April 1st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth.

This government believes very firmly in protecting the safety and the security of its citizens. As a result, we want to ensure that we are lining up appropriately with the United States in how regulatory matters progress.

That is simply the answer in this matter. It is making sure that we are doing exactly the same things on a quick basis in order to protect the country and in order to ensure that we have the best regulations in place. It is quite the contrary to what that member is indicated.

[Canada Post, March 31st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I may have missed it in translation, but I am sure the hon. member understands that the government does not actually deliver the mail. In fact, it is his buddies at CUPW that deliver the mail.

What I would say to what he indicated is this. In the greater good, we want to ensure that the taxpayer is not on the hook for the ongoing potential losses at Canada Post as a result of the delivery of mail not happening at the rate that it used to in terms of letters being sent. It has a five-point plan. It has recognized the problem. The government recognizes the problem. It is time to move on and implement this plan.

[Canada Post, March 31st, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the reality is that there are one billion fewer pieces of mail being delivered in Canada since 2006. Along with that, of course, comes the reality that the revenues are not exceeding what the expenses are and, in fact, it is estimated that it is going to cost $1 billion per year to Canadian taxpayers.

Canada Post has a five-point plan. That five-point plan includes the increase in postal rate stamps today, and we support Canada Post on its path forward to return to self-sufficiency.

[Air Transportation, March 26th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, there are 89 airports in this country that are already designated to receive services from CATSA. Sherbrooke is not one of them, but Sherbrooke is one of over 20 airports in this country that have had the same requests for the provision of these services. They all go through the same process. It is reviewed by my officials, who are in contact with the various airports around the country with respect to this. However, I want to be clear: we are not expanding this list of 89 airports. Anything moving forward would have to be discussed specifically with CATSA and Transport Canada.

[Transportation, March 26th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, indeed, it is a serious situation at the Port Metro Vancouver. It is our most important port on the west coast, and that is why we have invested $1.4 billion in it to make sure the Asia Pacific gateway works well.

To this point, we are working with our partners, the British Columbia government and Port Metro Vancouver. I am in constant contact with both the chair of the port and Minister Stone on this matter.

We want to ensure that we have optimal service at the port of Vancouver. Our 14-point plan is there, and the parties are at the table at this moment discussing how to return to work.