Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to thank the witnesses from the Office of the Auditor General and the Department of Transport for being here.
This report is very nuanced because it shows both the positive and negative sides of the national trade corridors fund. However, it does not show, as that is obviously not its role, that Canada is woefully behind in transportation. It does not show that Canada is light years behind the modern world when it comes to rail transportation compared with other parts of the world.
Ms. Hébert, you mentioned transportation safety several times, whether it be the safety of goods or the safety of individuals. This committee has considered that issue a number of times in rail transportation, as well as Transport Canada's work in that area. It is clear that this committee has received only incomplete, if any, answers to its questions on rail safety.
A lot of money has been invested in the national trade corridors fund, although only a tiny portion of what was budgeted has actually been invested. Why have you not invested that money in rail safety? Why not take the time to answer this committee when it asks you questions as crucial as those that could help prevent spills and explosions, like the one in Lac-Mégantic, which unfortunately cost human lives just a few years ago?
Please answer our questions.