Evidence of meeting #104 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was transport.
A video is available from Parliament.
NDP
Robert Aubin NDP Trois-Rivières, QC
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I want to quickly bring up two points.
First, concerning the Champlain Bridge, on March 21, you stated that 65% of the work has been completed. I am far from being an expert on bridge construction, but it looks to me that the completion work may take longer than the large structural work.
Can you still confirm the December 21, 2018, deadline? Is this still an achievable target? If not, why not?
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
That's our goal. We are striving to have this bridge in operation by December 21, 2018, because we understand the importance of this bridge to the community in Montreal and the surrounding communities. We have a very strong working relationship with SSL, and we have been able to work with them to mitigate some of the risk related to this project. We're striving to have the bridge open by December 21.
NDP
Robert Aubin NDP Trois-Rivières, QC
Thank you.
Changing topics now, I would like to join in the discussion on pipelines.
It is no secret that we do not necessarily share the same view, but I would like you to explain how I should construe the concept of national interest.
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
Since coming into office and forming the government, we have been very clear that economic prosperity and environmental sustainability go hand in hand. That is why a price on pollution is part of that equation. That is why we have a very comprehensive oceans protection plan that invests $1.5 billion into protecting our marine system, as well as the highest safety standards for the pipeline to protect communities from possible leaks. This is part of our comprehensive approach to building and moving toward an economy that allows us to take our resources to the international market, while at the same time, moving us toward more renewable energy sources.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
I'm sorry, Mr. Aubin, but your time is up.
Thank you, Minister.
I will now deal with the disposition of the main estimates.
Pursuant to Standing Order 81(4), the committee will now dispose of the main estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019, minus the interim estimates the House agreed to on March 22, 2018.
It is votes 1, 5, and 10, under Office of Infrastructure of Canada; vote 1, under The Jacques-Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc.; and vote 1, under the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
Do I have unanimous consent to deal with all the votes in one motion?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
OFFICE OF INFRASTRUCTURE OF CANADA
Vote 1—Operating expenditures..........$99,901,528 Vote 5—Capital expenditures..........$760,949,312 Vote 10—Contributions..........$3,111,503,619
(Votes 1, 5, and 10 agreed to on division)
THE JACQUES-CARTIER AND CHAMPLAIN BRIDGES INC.
Vote 1—Payments to the corporation..........$250,127,000
(Vote 1 agreed to on division)
WINDSOR-DETROIT BRIDGE AUTHORITY
Vote 1—Payments to the Authority..........$195,992,153
(Vote 1 agreed to on division)
Shall I report these votes to the House?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Thank you very much.
Thank you, Minister, and your staff, for being here and answering the questions.