The amendment states:
That Bill C-30, in Clause 9, be amended by replacing line 15 on page 5 with the following:“is $250,000.”
Basically, we want to increase fines to $250,000 for any failure by the railways to deliver on minimum targets.
I would like to also note that in the document that was sent April 4 by the Saskatchewan government, that they also ask for the same thing, and I quote:
Our government also believes penalties to railways for failing to deliver minimum car requirements should be increased to $250,000 a day. Fines collected from railways for failing to meet this target should directly benefit the producers who ultimately bear the costs of the system.
It's pretty self-explanatory. I think some witnesses also commented along the lines that $100,000 is not a big fine. I know we cannot depend on fines to deter this type of behaviour, but I think increasing the fines is something that a lot of people have been calling for.