Debates of October 13, 2005 (day 9)

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Transportation, with regard to the ferry service strike in Nahendeh. Despite the federal ruling against the ferry service being listed as essential services, the residents of Fort Simpson and Wrigley do consider it a life line to the rest of the world. On behalf of my constituents, I would like to know what position the government is taking with respect to the strike there, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Minister of Transportation, Mr. McLeod.

Return To Question 104-15(4): Fort Liard Ferry Service

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is recognized that the Liard ferry services are very important to the people of Nahendeh, especially the communities of Fort Simpson and Wrigley, and will cause some disruption in terms of service for those communities. However, this is a labour dispute between the PSAC employees and a private company, and the Department of Transportation is trying its best to stay out of the discussions and not get involved directly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 104-15(4): Fort Liard Ferry Service

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The workers that are on strike were only asking for a fair wage for the work that they do, Mr. Speaker. Is our government in any position to offer any arbitration in this matter?

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 104-15(4): Fort Liard Ferry Service

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this issue for the ferry services is regulated by the federal government under the Canadian Labour Code, and they are the government responsible for this whole issue of dispute.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 104-15(4): Fort Liard Ferry Service

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would like to know what this government is going to do in terms of getting the ferry service back up and running, Mr. Speaker. We have got at least three weeks or at least another month worth of sailing time, as it were, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 104-15(4): Fort Liard Ferry Service

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated earlier, the Department of Transportation plays no part in the negotiations. Our obligation lies with the contractor that is hired to provide a service and we are not planning to intervene in any form at this time. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final supplementary, Mr. Menicoche.

Supplementary To Question 104-15(4): Fort Liard Ferry Service

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I was just wondering, is it not our duty to the public as well as the traveling public, and I would like to know if the Minister is looking at a continuation of our services for the ferry in Nahendeh. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Mr. McLeod.

Further Return To Question 104-15(4): Fort Liard Ferry Service

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Of course this government is very disappointed the two sides were not able to come to a settlement on this issue. The government will continue to monitor the situation and look at the options available. However, at this point we will just be monitoring the situation and not providing any other alternative service. Thank you.