Thank you. My name is Matt Moroun. Of course my family owns the Ambassador Bridge, and has since 1979. Thank you for the opportunity to meet this distinguished committee to discuss the proposed legislation, Bill C-3.
The Ambassador Bridge has a distinguished record of serving the travelling public for over 77 years. It has weathered much over its history, including the Great Depression, world wars, the auto pact, ownership litigation under the Foreign Investment Review Act, NAFTA, 9/11, and power blackouts.
For the last 18 years, it has managed to be the most popular and preferred border crossing in North America by a measure of traffic count. For all those years, the Ambassador Bridge has been a shining example of the success of the private sector, having financed its own construction, maintenance, and operation entirely without government funding of any kind. Since 1979 the bridge has been owned by my family. We have operated the bridge successfully, not only financially for our own interests in its long-term future and as shareholders, but more importantly as stewards of a great responsibility.
To that end, we have successfully cooperated as partners with Canada Customs, Canada Immigration, the Department of Homeland Security, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Ontario Department of Transportation, Transport Canada, Fish and WildlifeService, and more agencies than I can name.
Permit me to suggest that there is no meritorious catalyst for additional and burdensome regulation of the Ambassador Bridge at this time. The state of the bridge is strong. Its finances are sound, its management sharp and successful, and its track record the best in the industry. Additionally, there exists no national or international event occurring recently or expected that would encourage or attract the invasive fettering of government.
However, do not confuse my words as introversion or egocentrism. We are neither. Instead, we relish the opportunity to discuss with this committee--and, if we are able, Transport Canada--the issues and challenges of the border and specifically the Ambassador Bridge. We not only favour outside input, but look upon the Government of Canada as a partner and primary stakeholder in our long-term future and, importantly, our day-to-day business. It may seem incongruous that our operation has thrived for over 77 years without invasive federal regulation, even though the bridge itself would be incapable of functioning without hundreds of distinguished Canada Customs and Immigration officers on our plaza and inspection areas every day.
To that end, we are not suggesting that the Ambassador Bridge go it alone. That would be a ridiculous statement and an ignorant one. We are asking this committee, and especially Transport Canada, to please put down your sword, set this legislation aside, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue, not just at a very formal hearing to discuss the legalese of this legislation, but rather to discuss and brainstorm and cooperate with one another toward an even more successful Ambassador Bridge for the advantage of the operation, the government, and the public.
Thank you.