I want to thank Madam Brosseau for bringing it forward. One of the things we heard from a couple of different groups—CFA raised it, and I think some others did as well—was this idea that they liked the interswitching. We agree with the extension from 30 kilometres to 160 kilometres. We think that's a good provision, and I think a lot of folks said it was a good provision.
One of the things that was missing in it was this idea about the delisting of the short lines. Some are there now. They said they wanted to make sure those stay protected until the rail review happens and with a sunset provision in this bill, obviously that would do that. The intention is to make sure none of those sites gets delisted. Perhaps other folks will want to use them in the future, perhaps they're not using them at the moment but they want to keep them available. And so what we heard from those groups was to not lose any in the meantime until we get to the rail review. The government has been clear about its intention to accelerate that review.
And so this would simply make sure we didn't lose any of the short lines along the way by delisting. That's what we're trying to drive here. It wouldn't be forever obviously because there is a sunset provision. Two years hence, this thing would go away and that would be the end of that. And I'm sure the new CTA would take into account those concerns; I wouldn't prejudge obviously. That piece will get done in due course, and the folks will make those decisions based on the information here. So I would hope my friends across the way would want to ensure we don't lose any opportunities by having CN or CP perhaps delist some short lines.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.