Good morning.
Thank you, Mr. Chair for inviting me to speak today to discuss Transport Canada’s Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates “C”.
I am joined today by representatives from Transport Canada:
- Arun Thangaraj, Deputy Minister of Transport,
- and Ryan Pilgrim, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Services.
I am happy to be here today because it gives me an opportunity to discuss the important work Transport Canada has been undertaking on behalf of Canadians.
At past appearances here, I have mentioned my focus on ensuring we have a safe and secure transportation sector. However, it is also crucial that this system is effective. I know Canadians have felt the impacts of the global challenges we have faced over the last few years, whether that be the rising costs of goods or delays on the products they need. That’s why we are taking ambitious action including:
- Introducing Bill C-33, the Strengthening the Port and Railway Safety in Canada Act that will strengthen our supply chain;
- Making sure Canada’s air transport sector is reliable and safe for travellers;
- Taking strong steps to meet our climate commitments; and
- Continuing to strengthen Canada’s rail system.
In the Supplementary Estimates “C” for fiscal year 2022-23, in the Main Estimates for fiscal year 2023-24, and in Budget 2023, you will find many examples of how committed our government is to ensuring Canadians have a safe, secure, and sustainable transportation system.
In my opening remarks, I will highlight a few of those examples.
In the Main Estimates for Transport Canada, you will see grant funding for the very successful incentives for zero-emission vehicles program.
Our plan to accelerate the deployment of medium and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles was detailed in Budget 2022.
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.
The Main Estimates also includes a 270-million-dollar increase in funding, when compared to the previous Main Estimates, for work toward High Frequency Rail (HFR), a modern, efficient, and sustainable rail service.
On February 17, I was in Montreal to announce the launch of the Request for Qualifications phase for the HFR project, to identify and qualify up to three top candidates to build a new, dedicated intercity passenger rail network connecting Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Trois-Rivières, and Québec City.
The new dedicated rail line would complement and build on VIA Rail’s current services, driving transformation in the populated corridor.
This is the biggest investment in passenger rail in Canada in a generation, and the largest transportation infrastructure project that Canada has seen.
You will also notice that VIA HFR, a new subsidiary of VIA Rail, is included in this year’s Estimates.
VIA HFR was created in November 2022, to advance the High Frequency Rail project.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of VIA Rail, it will operate in close collaboration with VIA Rail, but at arm’s length.
This will allow VIA Rail to focus on its core responsibilities, while VIA HFR will develop the world-class expertise necessary for designing and advancing the HFR project. VIA HFR will be a strong public sector counterparty to the private partner.
In the Main Estimates for VIA Rail, there is funding to support VIA Rail capital projects. Also, Budget 2023 announced funding for maintenance on trains on VIA Rail routes outside of the Québec City–Windsor Corridor.
Our government will also continue to work with all Crown corporations to ensure they have the resources needed to continue to properly deliver their essential services.
For example, there is funding for the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited in the Main Estimates, to help offset the impact of pandemic-related reductions in revenue.
And, just last month, I announced $75.9 million dollars of support for the Canadian Transportation Agency, to ensure they have the resources they need to address passenger complaints. Our government was the first in our history to implement the Air Passenger Bill of Rights. We have strengthened it since 2019 and we will continue to do so. That’s why in Budget 2023 we announced proposed changes to the Canada Transportation Act to strengthen airline obligations to compensate passengers for delays and cancellations.
Finally, in the Supplementary Estimates, you will see funds for Eastern Canada Ferry Services.
These funds would help to address increased fuel and labour costs amidst lower revenues – due to lingering effects from the global pandemic.
I am confident that the investments in Supplementary Estimates “C” and Main Estimates will keep people and goods moving, efficiently and effectively, and advance a safe, competitive and clean transportation system.
That concludes my opening remarks.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you.