Evidence of meeting #32 for Public Accounts in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was authority.
A recording is available from Parliament.
NDP
David Christopherson NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
It wasn't the risk management of issues; it was a separate category. All it said was “security”. It really didn't expand.
Auditor General of Canada, Office of the Auditor General of Canada
Yes, we didn't go into, obviously, a lot of detail in the report per se, but I think we all have to realize in the world that we live in that the train system is not exempt from possible attacks or having things happen to it. We recommended that the corporation put in a classification system--who has access to what information--as exists quite frequently in all government departments. So it would be who would see certain more sensitive information. The corporation agreed with that, and I think it's in the process of actually doing that.
It's more the issue of access to information and controlling it.
NDP
David Christopherson NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
Mr. Côté, I realize it's a public forum, so you can only say so much. I accept that—
NDP
David Christopherson NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
—but what sorts of things are you anticipating? I mean, security experts are now looking at anywhere there are congregations of people--shopping malls, movie theatres, buses--where there isn't great security and that provides opportunity. Is that the sort of thing you're looking at, and are you able to talk about measures or procedures?
NDP
David Christopherson NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
Again, I totally respect that you can't get into detail, nor should you.
President and Chief Executive Officer, VIA Rail Canada Inc.
That's a very, very good question, and I appreciate that I have the opportunity to inform this committee.
When the New York attacks occurred, it was a shock to everybody. There was an initial reaction that everybody wanted to implement all sorts of measures quickly.
My approach, and our approach in the company, has been to work with the front-line employees--that's where it happens--on programs of awareness and alertness. You observe what people do and how they behave. We developed this program in conjunction with the RCMP, and it was very, very effective.
You wouldn't believe the number of incidents that were avoided because our staff were alert and saw somebody do something or behave in a certain way. For instance, people coming to pay for tickets to go from Toronto to Vancouver, which is valued at $1,200, with a pile of brand new $20 bills. That sort of thing triggers you. It's an exaggeration, but sometimes that's how you do it.
With someone checking in a big bag, such as a hockey bag, you think it would be full and very heavy, and it's very light and fluffy. You open it, and in fact it's fluff stuff inside. It's that strategy of alertness.
Railway networks are such that people can get on at different places. They are very accessible, very difficult to protect, and I'm not sure it's cost efficient to justify significant investments. Our people on the front line are the key for us.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Shawn Murphy
I understand Mr. Kramp has a question, and then we're going to ask for closing remarks.
Conservative
Daryl Kramp Conservative Prince Edward—Hastings, ON
I have one quick question with regard to civil responsibilities.
There have been situations where trains have been delayed due to protests or whatever. Do you have a policy, and/or will you continue to ensure that civil law liability is an action that VIA will consider? In other words, if your trains are delayed--it could be bonfires on the track, which I'm very familiar with, and issues like that--obviously that costs VIA, and all train travel, so will you continue to seek civil recompense?
President and Chief Executive Officer, VIA Rail Canada Inc.
First of all, fundamentally we're not the owners of the infrastructure; we are like a tenant. If any actions are to be taken, they will have to be done by the owner, so CN drives this particular process.
Our concern is more on how we deal with the customers. We make sure that our customers are not inconvenienced by these problems.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Shawn Murphy
Thank you, Mr. Kramp.
That concludes the rounds, colleagues. We're going to ask for closing comments.
Ms. Fraser, do you have any closing remarks?
Auditor General of Canada, Office of the Auditor General of Canada
Thank you, Mr. Chair and the committee, for your interest in this report.
I'd like the committee to know that Mr. Côté's term as president is up at the end of this year, and he has indicated that he will be retiring. I would like to thank him very much for the excellent cooperation we have had.
It has been a pleasure working with you. Thank you.
President and Chief Executive Officer, VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I have no further comment. I will remember this forever.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Shawn Murphy
Just before we close, again I want to thank all the witnesses for coming today. This country was built on trains, so this has been a very interesting hour, and I want to thank everyone for attending.
I want to remind members that our next meeting is on October 19. We're dealing with gender-based analysis, and a number of witnesses have been lined up. There will be a steering committee meeting on Tuesday of that week at noon.
Thank you very much. The meeting is adjourned.