Evidence of meeting #54 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was amendment.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:25 p.m.
NDP
Hoang Mai NDP Brossard—La Prairie, QC
I understand that the amendment is to have positive train control.
Does the chair accept the amendment?
5:25 p.m.
NDP
Hoang Mai NDP Brossard—La Prairie, QC
This is something that the NDP has also been asking for—for a long time.
We're talking about rail safety. I don't know if the officials who are here have seen the amendment, but maybe they can comment on it.
5:25 p.m.
Brigitte Diogo Director General, Rail Safety, Department of Transport
We have seen the amendment. The department does not support this amendment for the reason that the current legislation already contains a series of powers to ensure that we take into account innovation of technology into the rail safety regime.
Furthermore, the amendment as proposed is amending the section relating to SMS, the safety management system, which is about the processes and procedures that companies have to put in place to ensure that safety is incorporated into their day-to-day operations. The amendment technically would not fit under SMS.
5:25 p.m.
NDP
Hoang Mai NDP Brossard—La Prairie, QC
I understand the technicality of where it is placed, but can you explain whether it is the decision of Transport Canada not to move forward regarding the implementation of positive train control, and why?
5:25 p.m.
Director General, Rail Safety, Department of Transport
I would say that it's not a question about moving or not moving. There are discussions right now in terms of doing research on train control.
At this stage, it would be premature for us to provide advice to the minister on whether to adopt it or not because the research is ongoing.
5:25 p.m.
NDP
Hoang Mai NDP Brossard—La Prairie, QC
It's something that has been raised for many years now.
At the end of the day, if I understand correctly, Transport Canada will make a proposal or a suggestion and then it's the minister's decision to move forward or not.
Is that correct?
5:25 p.m.
Director General, Rail Safety, Department of Transport
I would say there are two ways. What you just described is certainly one of them. The second possibility is for the industry to approach Transport Canada and to make a submission for this to be considered either through a submission of the rule, or by requesting an exemption so they can use the technology.
5:25 p.m.
NDP
Hoang Mai NDP Brossard—La Prairie, QC
Has Transport Canada set a timeline of when the studies will be done in order to have an opinion on the technology?
April 30th, 2015 / 5:25 p.m.
Director General, Rail Safety, Department of Transport
What I would say is that the discussions are ongoing. These discussions include not only Transport Canada, but also the industry. There is a working group that has been established under the advisory council for rail safety. Once the working group has reached a consensus on recommendations they will be submitted to the minister.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
Any further discussion on the amendment?
(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])
(Clause 34 agreed to)
(Clauses 35 to 40 inclusive agreed to)
Shall the schedule carry?
5:30 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
5:30 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
5:30 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
5:30 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
5:30 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
Shall the committee order a reprint of the bill as amended for the use of the House at report stage?
5:30 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
5:30 p.m.
Director General, Surface Transportation Policy, Department of Transport
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Just to respond to the question that was asked earlier about whom we communicated with at Marsh Canada, the name was Evan Garner.