Bob Bromley

Thank you for those remarks. I'm not necessarily insisting that we have an emergency fuel supply, but I would like to know that the communities have some plan to deal with a complete shortage. Even if they do have an emergency supply, perhaps it won't be enough to get them through a period of time when the oil shortage occurs.

In 1973, of course, we experienced that with gasoline, but now with peak oil, we're on the declining side. We’re on the other side of 50 per cent of the fuel oil availability in the world, so this is a real situation. We're entering sort of a new era, if you will, and...

I’d like to go to Mr. Abernethy next.

We’ll defer the summary on page 2-51 and proceed to the detail with the information item on Active Positions, pages 2-52 and 2-53. Any questions? Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. I wonder if Mr. Hawkins would hand over one last question, being mindful of the clock here. You have 12 seconds left if you insist on going forward.

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. I know he was well practised in the swimming actions there. I'm interested if our ferries are dead in the water without a fuel supply. Other than that response, has the Minister ensured, given the volatility of fuel supplies and the increasing uncertainty, that our communities have developed effective emergency management plans to deal with that situation?

I’ll go to Ms. Bisaro. Again, questions on the Main Estimates here.

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. General comments.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Anything further, Mr. Hawkins?

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. We are getting into an area that’s probably more appropriately addressed during question period, but I will allow the Minister to respond if he wishes.

May I ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to bring in witnesses. Mr. Minister, when you’re ready, I’ll ask you to introduce your witnesses.