Finance Committee on Feb. 2nd, 2026

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Hopefully, we can talk a little more.

[The Chair, Liberal, Karina Gould]

I'm sure someone would love to ask you more questions.

We have about 10 minutes left.

If it's okay with the committee, we'll do four minutes for the Conservatives, four minutes for the Liberals and two minutes for the Bloc.

Is it all right?

[Some hon. members]

Yes.

[The Chair, Liberal, Karina Gould]

Perfect.

Mr. Lefebvre, you have the floor.

[Éric Lefebvre, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Minister, thank you for being here.

I am going to talk about a sensitive subject. On July 6, 2013, at 7 a.m., I sent a text message to one of my acquaintances, asking, “What can I do?” The person replied: “Pray.” Forty-seven people died that night, an entire town centre burned down, and a population was left scarred forever. I am talking about the tragedy that took place in Lac-Mégantic, near my home. I want to take the time to tell the people that we are still thinking of them, that we are thinking of the families. In the municipality and in the greater Lac-Mégantic area, people are still very affected by this.

In 2018, seven years ago, the former Liberal prime minister promised a bypass, but nothing has been done about it. So my question to the minister is this: is the Quebec City-Toronto high-speed rail line more important than the Lac-Mégantic bypass?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Allow me, as a Quebecker, to add my voice to yours. We all woke up that morning to learn of this horrible tragedy. I can assure you that it also left its mark and scars at Transport Canada.

[Éric Lefebvre, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Minister, I have very little time. I understand that you want to join me, but I need an answer for the people of Lac-Mégantic who are listening to you right now.

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

The hearings before the Canadian Transportation Agency have just concluded. If all goes well, construction of the bypass should begin next year.

[Éric Lefebvre, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

So, construction of the bypass will begin in 2027.

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

In 2026.

[Éric Lefebvre, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Did you say 2026?

Have you spoken to the mayor of Lac-Mégantic?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Yes. That would be Ms. Morin, if I am not mistaken.

[Éric Lefebvre, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Yes. Well done, Minister, I congratulate you.

Have you visited Lac-Mégantic?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Not yet, but she and I have committed to a visit, actually.

[Éric Lefebvre, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Thank you for your commitment to Lac-Mégantic, Minister.

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

I often speak to your colleague as well, Mr. Berthold. Of course, I consult with the local MP.

[Éric Lefebvre, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Yes, and he does excellent work in the field.

Minister, as has been said, the bill to implement the budget involves several billion dollars. I am concerned about the response you gave earlier, in English, to my colleague regarding the possible conflict of interest with Brookfield and the possibility that this company might invest in the project. You said that no measures would be put in place to prevent Brookfield from participating financially in the project.

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

We have laws that govern conflicts of interest. There is an ethical framework in Canada, in the Parliament of Canada and in our public procurement, that prevents conflicts of interest. So I can assure you and your colleague that there will be no conflicts of interest.

[Éric Lefebvre, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

However, you cannot guarantee that Brookfield will not invest in a project like this one.

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

I can guarantee that there will be no conflicts of interest.

[Éric Lefebvre, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Don’t you see any conflicts of interest between the Prime Minister and Brookfield?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

I can assure you that there will be no conflict of interest in the construction of this project.

[Éric Lefebvre, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Let’s talk about the proposal to conduct a 90-day study to reassure the public, farmers, entrepreneurs and landowners.

Do you agree that there should be a study to reassure the public about the land where you are going to build the high-speed rail line?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Gatineau, QC]

Are you asking me if I agree to a study being conducted?

[Éric Lefebvre, Conservative, Richmond—Arthabaska, QC]

Are you going to carry out a study to meet with the population and reassure them? Are you going to meet with people individually?