Thank you, Mr. Chair.
What this would do is simply add that in making regulations around level crossings under subsection 18(2), “the Governor in Council shall take into account, as a primary consideration, the safety of the public and personnel.”
I'm just speaking on behalf of Mr. Bevington, our transport critic. He mentions that there continues to be an issue around level crossings and ease of access across railway tracks. He references the railway safety report, Stronger Ties, saying that crossing accidents comprised 23.6% of total accidents in 2006 and that since 2001 an average of 84 people have been killed or seriously injured annually as a result of crossing accidents.
So this would make sure that primary consideration is the safety of the public.
On behalf of Mr. Bevington, I so move.