Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I read the Auditor General's report. The VIA Rail representatives here today told us that, in the past, their strategic planning failed to achieve its objectives because the company did not have dedicated tracks and its equipment assets were probably not at the desired level. The obvious reason is that the tracks were in use. VIA Rail is an operator and does not own all the tracks.
Mr. Siciliano-Desjardins, you're now saying that you're looking at the possibility of creating a new strategic plan with a significant investment. Your company may then be profitable. That's your goal. In your 2007-11 report, I can see that the Auditor General said as follows:
The 2007–11 corporate plan included a major capital investment plan that was intended to increase ridership by 40 percent and revenues by 39 percent within that five-year period.
However, VIA did not succeed in meeting these targets. Actually, it went lower at that point in time.
In his opening statement, the assistant auditor general, Mr. Laplante, said as follows:
The Corporation will need to find lasting solutions to those problems if it is to ensure its long-term viability.
You said today that dedicated railway tracks for passenger trains may be created. What capital costs will be required for your project to become profitable?