You raised a few points.
I'll start with your question about the data that Transport Canada receives from the rail companies. We found that the department took the appropriate steps to gather more information. The next step is to provide more guidance to rail companies so that Transport Canada can collect the data in a timely and consistent manner and obtain all the information needed to make the right decisions about locations that require inspection and about safety management systems that require verification. I often raise the issue of data quality. We need to make sure that the department is receiving good data and then using the data appropriately. This would improve Transport Canada's approach to inspections and audits, since it could better target the risks.
The department should also properly use the results of audits on safety management systems in order to make more informed decisions regarding inspections. Transport Canada has the necessary tools, but must learn to use them more appropriately to improve the effectiveness of its oversight.