House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 54% of the vote.
Infrastructure November 15th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago, I was very pleased to present my Transportation 2030 strategy. When it comes to transportation, the government is working for Canadians.
With respect to ports, the important thing is to make sure that it is good for Canada's economy. Ports are where our goods are imported and exported.
As for airports, the traveller comes first. Travellers' interests will always be top of mind as we make decisions.
Infrastructure November 15th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, we always treat our tax dollars with great respect in this government.
We have decided to make unprecedented investments in infrastructure, something that was never done by the previous government. We will invest $180 billion during the next 12 years in green infrastructure, social infrastructure, public transit, and transportation corridors. This is a good thing for Canada, and we have created an infrastructure bank so we can get even more money to put into our infrastructure.
Canadians want this. It creates jobs. It is good for the economy.
Infrastructure November 15th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, we are very proud of the unprecedented investments our government is making. Some $180 billion will be invested over the next 12 years in green infrastructure, social infrastructure, public transit, and transportation corridors to enhance trade.
We also created an infrastructure bank so that investors can contribute and we can do even more to enhance our infrastructure. That is what Canadians want.
Rail Transportation November 1st, 2016
Mr. Speaker, of course, we are very grateful for the work of the Transportation Safety Board, which is there to remind us what we need to do for safety's sake, and it is doing an excellent job.
At the same time, we are making constant efforts to improve safety and security in Canada, especially in the area of rail safety, as I have said repeatedly. We are making improvements. I have announced three such improvements since I became transport minister, and there will be more in the months and years to come.
Transportation November 1st, 2016
Mr. Speaker, our government always appreciates the recommendations of the Transportation Safety Board. We take this very seriously. I have indicated many times how important safety is to our government.
We are looking at all the reports submitted to us by the Transportation Safety Board. We have done a lot in a year. Can we do better? Of course we can and we are working on doing better when it comes to safety.
Transport October 31st, 2016
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for her caution and safety on Halloween. All of us in this government care deeply about road safety. Although I am not a big one for tricks, I do like a treat once in a while.
That is why I am glad to announce that as of May 1, 2018, all new cars that are sold in Canada will have to be equipped with a rear camera system. We think this is a good idea, because even though rear-view mirrors do help, they do not give us the full picture. We are particularly concerned about the safety of our children.
Air Transportation October 31st, 2016
Mr. Speaker, we did not give ourselves a mandate.
One of the sixty recommendations set out in the report on the Canada Transportation Act raised this issue.
We are currently analyzing the situation. No decisions have been made and, if a decision is made, it will be in the best interests of travellers, airports, and our airlines.
Questions on the Order Paper October 28th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a), on August 7, 2015, Transport Canada officials were contacted by a BC-based company alleging misconduct by an employee of the department.
With regard to (b), the allegations were of misconduct by a TC employee.
With regard to (c), the findings are not released due to privacy and confidentiality concerns.
With regard to (d), appropriate actions would have been taken if the allegations had been deemed to be founded.
Rail Transportation October 27th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, as I said many times, we are keeping a close eye on the work that is being done to complete the study on the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass.
We paid for half that study, which is being managed by the City of Lac-Mégantic. If the process can be accelerated, so much the better, but the work still needs to be done. We look forward to learning the results of the study.
The Environment October 27th, 2016
Mr. Speaker, we are also concerned about the impact on the Heiltsuk Nation. I have spoken to Chief Marilyn Slett. I will be meeting her again twice in the next two weeks.
We are certainly recognizing the fact that we need to do better on marine security. We are looking at the issue of compensation.
We need to improve protection on all our three coasts. That is why the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and I have been working for months now, and we will have some things to say very shortly.