Good afternoon. Bonjour.
Thank you, Mister Chair and Committee members, for inviting me here today to present our Main Estimates.
I am pleased to be joined today by representatives from Transport Canada:
- Michael Keenan, Deputy Minister of Transport,
- Ryan Pilgrim, Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services, and Chief Financial Officer
- Kevin Brosseau, Assistant Deputy Minister, Safety and Security
- Anuradha Marisetti, Assistant Deputy Minister, Programs, and,
- Craig Hutton, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy
Despite the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic, transportation workers across all modes have continued to deliver food, medicine, and other vital goods to Canadians throughout the crisis.
Transport Canada employees have also helped make this possible by introducing a range of measures and guidance to protect those working in the transportation and shipping sectors.
All of the department’s work has been informed by the latest science and data, as well as the guidance of public health agencies.
As Minister of Transport, I have had the pleasure of working with Transport Canada and the other organizations in the federal transportation portfolio for several months now.
Officials at all levels have been working tirelessly to support me in my new role, and I have been incredibly impressed by their talent and dedication.
I welcome this opportunity to highlight some of that work.
Transport Canada’s mandate is to ensure that our transportation system is safe and secure, efficient, green, and innovative.
The department’s planned expenditures in the Main Estimates for 2021‑22 cover a range of important measures to maintain a safe and secure transportation system while keeping people and goods moving.
The total expenditures fall under four categories. They are:
- 912 million dollars under Efficient Transportation,
- 480 million dollars under Green and Innovative Transportation System,
- 445 million dollars under Safe and Secure Transportation, and
- 215 million dollars for Internal Services.
Among these items, Transport Canada is requesting 229 million dollars in transfer payments to continue the incentive program for zero-emission vehicles.
This program encourages consumer spending while greening our economy.
Rail safety is one of my top priorities, so I am pleased to say we are also requesting more than 21 million dollars in transfer payments for the Rail Safety Improvement Program, which will further enhance rail safety across Canada.
I would also like to highlight some amounts for federal agencies and Crown Corporations within my portfolio.
These Estimates include 770 million dollars for VIA Rail.
This funding is higher than last year’s Main Estimates primarily due to extended funding provided to stabilize VIA’s operations and support longer-term capital planning.
These funds will modernize VIA’s service offering through fleet renewal, improve safety with track infrastructure enhancements, and keep its asset base in a state of good repair.
In short, it will allow Canadians to continue benefitting from a safe, reliable, and efficient national passenger rail service.
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority is seeking 568 million dollars.
This will ensure the Authority can continue to deliver effective, consistent, and high-quality security screening of air travellers and their baggage.
Marine Atlantic Inc. is seeking 150 million dollars to support its year-round constitutionally mandated ferry and seasonal ferry service.
This represents an increase of 7 million dollars in Operating and Capital funding.
Finally, the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited is requesting 18.5 million dollars in emergency support to offset the COVID-19 pandemic revenue shortfall.
Mister Chair, I would now like to turn to the Auditor General’s follow-up audit of Transport Canada’s oversight of rail safety.
The report, which I welcomed in February, focused on select elements of the Auditor General’s 2013 audit.
Transport Canada has acknowledged the findings of this year’s report and is committed to the continuous improvement of our rail safety program.
As I mentioned, rail safety remains one of my most important priorities.
We are already working to address all of the Auditor General’s recommendations to further improve the effectiveness of our safety oversight.
As we focus on the future and building back better, the transportation sector will be vital to Canada’s economic recovery.
I am confident that the investments outlined in these Main Estimates will help advance a transportation system that is safer, cleaner, and more competitive.
That concludes my opening remarks.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you. Merci.