November 2, 2016, 12:00PM to 1:30PM | Ottawa, ON
Table Setter
Discussion Purpose
To describe the Minister’s approach to a long-term agenda for transportation in Canada and to hear from Indigenous Peoples on directions for the future of transportation in Canada that supports the Government’s commitment to a renewed, Nation-to-Nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. Insights from this consultation will help inform an ongoing dialogue on the future of transportation for the next 20 to 30 years.
Roundtable Objectives
Identify the most pressing transportation concerns and opportunities associated with transportation connectivity, safety, efficiency and environmental impacts from the perspective of Indigenous Peoples.
Inform options and a path forward to improve the Canadian transportation system from Indigenous perspectives (e.g. balancing environmental protection with socio-economic objectives).
Identify means of pursuing collaboration with Indigenous communities on transportation issues that advances the Government of Canada’s commitment to a renewed, Nation-to-Nation relationship with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.
Roundtable Highlights (May – July)
Roundtables held from May to July highlighted the importance of understanding the complexity of the national transportation system to best serve Canadians, with broad priorities for moving forward identified as:
- Promoting collaboration between all partners and aligning limited resources;
- Looking at how the multimodal transportation system functions as a whole to move freight and passengers efficiently, safely and sustainably;
- Adopting a long-term view in terms of funding, policy, regulations, and support for innovation over time;
- Relying upon market forces where possible and applying incentives or regulations as required to address gaps; and
- Continuing to gather transportation data to ensure better and timely evidence for decision-making.
Defining Objectives for the Future
A vision whereby the Minister’s mandated goal of ensuring a transportation system that supports Canada’s economic growth and job creation agenda reflects, where appropriate, the perspectives and interests of Indigenous Peoples.
Leveraging opportunities to advance Canada’s reconciliation agenda by way of actions that lay the groundwork for the development of a transportation system that supports the long-term well-being and economic objectives of Indigenous Peoples.
Key Index Question
How can Canada collaborate with Indigenous communities on matters of importance to them in an effort to improve the Canadian transportation system going forward?
Roundtable Discussion Questions
- What are key transportation-related challenges faced by Indigenous communities?
- What opportunities are available for making progress on addressing these challenges?
- What actions could be undertaken to move towards a transportation system that supports inclusive economic growth, a cleaner economy, and a country that remains well-positioned to compete globally?
- How can the government incorporate Traditional knowledge into the transportation evidence base, and in what ways do transportation needs have to evolve to better support Indigenous communities?