Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I believe that the bill is on the right track. There are a number of issues, but right now we have absolutely nothing. The day the bill comes into force, we will have a lever to ensure respect for quiet around the switching yard and that noise is regulated somewhat.
Here is the problem: currently CN is not responding to our requests and is completely ignoring us. The Agency has no authority. That is why we want to ensure that it has authority and that the act stipulates “least possible noise”. Otherwise, the company will get away with saying that these activities are necessary for profitability and as in the past there are costs associated with that.
Indeed, there are costs associated with that. However, we must not forget that when someone causes pollution, they are responsible, they must accept that responsibility and control the pollution when it bothers the neighbours. That is not what CN is doing in our area right now. I understand that this may be the case across Canada, with other companies.
That is why we want the bill to be more specific and to confer the power to issue orders. In order to grant that power, the legislation needs to stipulate the words I mentioned earlier, “least possible noise”. That way, we will be able to work and hear ourselves. There will also be some pressure on the company, the Agency will also have some leverage and the citizens will have some recourse.