Thank you for inviting me here, today, to speak about the Supplementary Estimates “B” for Transport Canada and other agencies and Crown corporations within the federal transport portfolio.
I am joined today by representatives from Transport Canada:
- Michael Keenan; Deputy Minister of Transport; and
- Ryan Pilgrim, Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services, and Chief Financial Officer; and
- Nicholas Robinson, A/Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Safety & Security; and
- Serge Bijimine, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy; and
- Stephanie Hébert, Assistant Deputy Minister, Programs; and
- Vincent Robitaille, Assistant Deputy Minister, High Frequency Rail
I am pleased to highlight some items listed in this year’s Supplementary Estimates “B”.
Mr. Chair, in past appearances before this committee, I’ve talked about how the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather events, and the war in Ukraine have caused global supply disruptions affecting our supply chain here in Canada.
I’ve also stressed that the safety and security of the transportation system is my highest priority.
That’s why I was pleased to recently introduce Bill C-33, the Strengthening the Port System and Railway Safety in Canada Act, which addresses both of these priorities.
This bill would improve the supply chain, make Canada’s transportation system more competitive, and ensure its operations are safe, secure, efficient, and reliable.
The proposed measures would keep essential goods flowing while mitigating the risks and impacts of future supply chain challenges.
I also recognize the need to keep people moving.
You will notice the High Frequency Rail project mentioned a number of times in the Supplementary Estimates, for both Transport Canada and VIA Rail.
As outlined in Budget 2022, after years of important work, the time has come for some big steps forward for this major initiative.
The High Frequency Rail project would see a new, dedicated intercity passenger rail network connecting Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Trois-Rivières, and Québec City.
It would transform transportation options in our country’s most populated corridor.
There are funds in the Supplementary Estimates to support the procurement process, and to select a private development partner to co-develop the project with the Government of Canada.
A collaborative public-private partnership will help to maximize the project’s benefits for Canadians.
A new VIA Rail subsidiary will serve as the Project Delivery Office, and will be the public sector counterpart to a private development partner.
The funding would also support important activities like work on the impact assessment process, Indigenous consultations, development of socio-economic benefits, municipal and public engagement, access to railway infrastructure, and rail safety updates.
This new dedicated rail line would complement and build on VIA Rail’s current services, driving transformation in this populated corridor.
Funding in the Supplementary Estimates would also help with work to assess opportunities for improving passenger rail service in Southwestern Ontario, but work in this area is just beginning.
We could see the High Frequency Rail network operational by the 2030s.
This is the biggest investment in passenger rail in Canada in a generation, and the largest transportation infrastructure project that Canada has seen in decades.
It is important for efficient, affordable, and greener transportation.
Investments in rail are an important part of this year’s Supplementary Estimates.
We are also seeking funds to improve rail transportation for remote Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba.
The objective is to maintain safe, reliable, viable, and sustainable transportation that meets the specific needs of communities between The Pas and Pukatawagan, supporting social and economic development.
Many of these communities are only accessible by rail.
They need this service to access economic opportunities and essential goods and services, including health care.
There is also a request in the Supplementary Estimates “B” to support a multi-departmental extension of the Oceans Protection Plan, as outlined in Budget 2022.
The Oceans Protection Plan was launched in 2016 – the largest investment Canada has ever seen for protecting our oceans and coasts.
The new funding requested in these Supplementary Estimates would further protect our coastlines and waterways, in four critical areas:
- continuing efforts to deliver a world-leading marine safety system, including improving how Canada responds to marine emergencies;
- increasing protection for marine species and ecosystems;
- creating stronger partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities;
- and strengthening marine research and science.
This work would continue to help to mitigate threats to our oceans and coastlines, while enabling supply chain resilience and supporting economic growth.
As the Prime Minister has said, the Oceans Protection Plan is a Canadian success story.
By renewing and expanding the Plan, we are committing to build on the progress we have made since its launch in 2016.
Finally, I also want to mention our plan to accelerate the deployment of light-, medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles, as detailed in Budget 2022.
This will be implemented through existing grant programing.
Canadians have made it clear – they want clean air, good jobs, and lower costs.
By making zero-emission vehicles more affordable, we are helping to reduce pollution, create more well-paying jobs, and build a cleaner world for generations to come.
That concludes my opening remarks.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you. Merci.