May 2, 1951 (21st Parliament, 4th Session)

Hon. Alphonse Fournier (Minister of Public Works):

Mr. Speaker, I received notice of this question just before coming into the house, and I wish to thank the hon. gentleman. I have not read that report in the Telegraph-Journal of May 1. I hesitate to believe that the premier of New Brunswick would have used the language that is attributed to him in this article, because he is extremely distinguished in his way of explaining a situation.
In the second place, I must take the hon. gentleman's word that this was said, namely, that the federal government was fully responsible or entirely responsible for the construction of interprovincial bridges. I would not be positive or dogmatic about it. I have not consulted the Department of Justice. On the other hand I know from experience that in the past interprovincial bridges have been built with the co-operation of the provinces. Actually, there is under consideration a project on the Ottawa river at Pembroke. Negotiations are going on between the province of Quebec and the province of Ontario. We hope that some day we shall have this joint bridge put up by the people of the two provinces and the federal authority.
As to the Campbellton and Cross Point bridge, the federal government is well disposed. As to the responsibility, I should like to take more time to look into the matter.

Inquiries of the Ministry