May 6, 1993 (34th Parliament, 3rd Session)

Mr. Bob Corbett (Fundy-Royal):

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transport.
In the budget there were provisions outlined for the possible privatization of Transport Canada's helicopter fleet. Given the fact that this helicopter fleet performs certain functions which are vital for safe marine operations in our coastal waters such as the monitoring of ice conditions, calibration of navigation aids and some search and rescue responsibilities, will the minister assure the House that he will put in place the proper safeguards to preserve safety in our coastal waters and protect human lives in the event that these services are privatized?