Transport committee  There have not, not of laden tankers. There have been a couple of instances of empty tankers going within, but that is permitted.

Transport committee  This is an additional protection that the government has chosen to put in place.

Transport committee  That's right. The moratorium is an additional protection. The government made a commitment to formalize a moratorium and this is the delivery of that commitment.

Transport committee  That's a mechanism that is complementary to the moratorium.

Transport committee  It's a voluntary agreement with the United States that is working very well.

Transport committee  No, not under international law.

Transport committee  Just to explain it maybe more simply, the voluntary exclusion zone has existed for over 30 years and is functioning very well. In addition and complementary to it, the government has enacted its commitment to formalize this moratorium and the two are seen as acting in tandem.

Transport committee  Our international law expert can comment on that.

Transport committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to simply resume once again that the legislation as it stands provides an unprecedented level of environmental protection and is unique, the first of its kind in the world. It's a precautionary approach targeting crude and persistent oils and

Transport committee  I will just add that the purpose of the legislation is outlined in the title of the bill, and the proposed amendment does not reflect the policy intent of the moratorium. Certainly, the marine safety elements and the spill prevention and response capacity are being addressed thro

Transport committee  I do think there is a scope element here that we are looking at, and the title of the legislation very clearly defines what is the intent of it.

Transport committee  I'm pleased to say that the oil tanker moratorium was designed to not interfere and to in fact resupply communities and local industries in northern British Columbia, and, to minimize economic impacts on these communities and industries, critical access is needed. Based on signif

Transport committee  You're right. Some of the smaller communities do have smaller levels. For industry resupply, there are some larger ones.

Transport committee  It's the study that's public on the Transport Canada website.

Transport committee  I think if there were to be changes contemplated to this, it would have to be a legislative amendment based on the actual volumes being shipped at that time. Further study would have to be done to determine if that's reasonable.