“We support this bill because it makes Canada more independent from the United States. But the project is in Nova Scotia. I want to know if the federal government will work properly with the province, or if this bill needs changes to protect provincial rights.”

“Madam Speaker, it is great to see you in the chair this morning. The Bloc Québécois has some concerns, even though we support this bill. It is a good thing that we are becoming more independent from the United States. However, since this project is going to take place in Nova Scotia, will the federal government negotiate properly with Nova Scotia, or does it believe that, since this is more of a federal responsibility, it can do whatever it wants without talking to the Government of Nova Scotia? I would like to know my colleague’s analysis of that. Does he think the bill is well thought out in that regard, or should it come with some caveats?”

“I want to know how the government picks places for space launches. Are they chosen using real science, or just through political favoritism?”

“Madam Speaker, Bill C-28 mainly brings to mind a concrete pad in Nova Scotia. We are really wondering how it was chosen. This week, we found out that the government had suddenly designated a new site, this time in Newfoundland and Labrador. I would like to know if my colleague has any idea how these sites are chosen. Is it done based on objective scientific criteria, or is it just at the government’s whim based on who cozies up to whom?”

“The government should answer questions about spending 200 million dollars on a concrete slab, because we must not waste public money. But Canada is the only G7 country that cannot launch its own satellites. We need them for travel and communications. I want to know if that worries my colleague.”

“Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague and his Conservative colleagues for highlighting this preposterous $200-million payment for a concrete slab. It does indeed raise questions, and I think it is reasonable to demand answers from the government. These are public funds, after all, and it is important not to waste them. The fact remains that Canada is currently the only G7 country with no satellite launch capabilities, even though satellites are practically indispensable to daily life, whether for travel or communications. Does that fact concern my colleague?”

“Costs can go up, but there is a huge difference between $13,000 and $20 million. I want to know if my colleague thinks the government should manage its money more carefully.”

“Madam Speaker, in her last answer, my colleague said that it was to be expected that costs would increase once operations got under way. Fair enough. However, there is still a world of difference between $13,000 and the $20-million figure my colleague mentioned earlier. To me, those numbers are worlds apart. Could the government not be a little more disciplined? I would be interested in hearing my colleague’s thoughts on that.”