Mr. Leonard:

What provision has been made for payment of compensation to property owners who suffer damages as a result of the raising of the water level of lake Ontario to 248 feet above mean sea level?

Mr. LEONARD.

(Translation.) I propose :

That paragraph 4 he amended by adding after subsection (d) the following additional subsection as subsection (e):

Henceforth, ho such subsidy shall be paid for any railway to any railway company, unless such company or companies provide for a proper and gratuitous roadway for vehicles as well as for foot-passengers on those bridges, the plans and specifications for such construction to be submitted to the Governor in Council, for approbation.

Mr. Chairman, I do not intend to speak at any length, ,1 think the time has come when the government should Inaugurate a new railway policy. This evening, we have voted over five hundred thousand dollars in aid to the construction of railway bridges. Why not provide that railway companies shall build those bridges in such a way as to afford a roadway for foot passengers and for vehicles? Have not those companies received large enough subsidies from the public exchequer, and consequently are we not entitled to stipulate in return those advantages in favour of the public? I do not wish to add anything further on the question, but it seems to me that it is sufficient to call the attention of the government to the matter to induce them to make the change asked for. I have no doubt that my proposal will meet with a favourable reception at the hands of the government.

Mr. LEONARD.

As soon as the bridge is built the road would be constructed to the bridge. If the company are obliged to build a passage way for vehicles, they can build it cheaper when they are building the bridge in the first place, than if they add the passage way afterwards. It will cost them twice as much to add the passageway as it would to build it with the bridge 'in the beginning.

Mr. LEONARD.

(Translation.) In -what year did these facts occur?

Mr. GIRARD, translation.) Between 1896 and 1900.

Mr. LEONARD.

(Translation.) So it occurred under this government?