Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to our witnesses for their testimony this afternoon. It's a very interesting conversation. Thank you for all you do.
I see that one of the projects you're reviewing is VIA Rail's $6 billion high-frequency project to provide frequent, reliable, rapid, and electronically powered intercity rail service between Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto.
As a relatively low-impact engineering and construction project, it is my understanding that VIA's high-frequency project could be done at about a third the cost of high-speed rail, while achieving most of the economic and environmental benefits. This project was first proposed five years ago by VIA Rail, and it is still being studied.
Could you please inform us on the merits and the status of what I consider to be a very appealing project for Canadians that could be expanded into southwestern Ontario? Could it also serve as a good stimulus for our economy in this economic downturn as a result of COVID-19?