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.
Liberal
Ken Hardie Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Mr. Minister, I would like to congratulate you. You have probably done more for Albertans in three years than the previous group did in a decade, when you look at all the support, the capital investments, etc.
I want to talk about two areas that will maybe in part take us back to our old days in public transit. As we move toward more accessibility for the disabled, I know many transit systems across Canada are still using the old high-floor buses. They are keeping them on the road after 25 or 30 years, it seems, in some cases.
Will the built environment, buses and otherwise, be supported through funding from your infrastructure fund, or will there be additional funding for this?
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
This is a very important question, because we want to make sure our communities are inclusive for everyone, regardless of abilities or disabilities. As part of our long-term agreement with the provinces, we are asking them to adhere to the highest available accessibility standards through the bilateral agreements we have negotiated and the agreements we are signing.
As well, you know that Minister Duncan is working on accessibility legislation that will empower Canadians to demand better from their government when it comes to accessibility in the areas of physical environment, employment opportunities, access to services, and everything that gives them the ability to participate in society.
Infrastructure is very important in enabling accessibility, and the built environment has to be accessible for people with disabilities. It's a requirement we have as part of our funding commitment to provinces.
Liberal
Ken Hardie Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC
We will finally get all of that potential realized across our country.
On rapid transit funding, our government has been very generous to metro Vancouver, with two rapid transit lines. There is a third. As the budgets mature, we discover there might not be enough to do all three lines that we really need in such a fast-growing area and such an important area for trade.
Looking ahead, are there mechanisms through which your fund can further assist places like Metro Vancouver to build out their rapid transit system?
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
Our plan gives the metro Vancouver area sustainable and long-term funding over the next 10 years. They now know how much money they are going to get from the federal government, so they can start their design work on the three LRTs, as well as the Broadway subway or any other projects that might be their priority.
We don't decide which projects to advance because we respect local decision-making, and local councils decide that. We are committed to providing sustainable, predictable, long-term, and significant funding, so the municipalities can undertake those projects to relieve congestion, or provide mobility choices, or deal with the climate change issues that our major urban centres are facing.
Liberal
Ken Hardie Liberal Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC
Would it be within the power of the province and the municipalities to repurpose or re-profile some of the funding in order to get necessary things done?
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
We have made two campaign commitments for metro Vancouver, the Surrey LRT, as well as the Broadway subway. Beyond that, we will look for opportunities to work with the regional mayors' council to explore other options.
Liberal
Gagan Sikand Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I'd like to reiterate my colleague's point. You've done more for Alberta than the past government has done in 10 years.
Conservative
Ron Liepert Conservative Calgary Signal Hill, AB
All right.
Madam Chair, we either get the opportunity to respond or they stop that—
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
I'm trying to get back over here. You can respond at that time if you choose.
Mr. Sikand, get on with your questions to the minister, please.
Liberal
Gagan Sikand Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
Our previous government clearly didn't believe in climate science and didn't provide funding for it and had actually cut back to it, but—
Liberal
Gagan Sikand Liberal Mississauga—Streetsville, ON
You know what? Climate change is real. At least we believe that here on the Liberal side. You come from a province that has been devastated by wildfires. Obviously you can't control an act of God, but I'm glad that, as minister, you launched the disaster mitigation and adaptation fund recently.
Again, we all do understand that climate change is real. Can you elaborate on how this fund will help communities prevent disasters?
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
We, as a government, have committed to investing in green infrastructure. We are investing close to $25 billion to making our communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change. This particular fund, which was introduced last week, will help us provide funding that is necessary for communities like Fort McMurray or communities like Calgary or other communities. We have experienced lots in New Brunswick over the past number of weeks. Those communities need our support. That's exactly why we have created this fund of $2 billion. It's to invest in communities that need our help.
Liberal
Liberal
Angelo Iacono Liberal Alfred-Pellan, QC
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I, too, would like to thank the minister for doing a lot for Quebec, especially with respect to the bridge. I would like to know if it's going to be delivered on time. Do we have a date?
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
Absolutely. We are working toward December 21, 2018, for the completion of the Champlain Bridge. This is a very important project for the Montreal area. The old bridge is safe now, but it needs replacement. As well, we need to expand the capacity to include the LRT system that is being built in Montreal and will be included as part of the availability of this bridge. I can assure you that we're working towards the completion of this bridge on time.
Liberal
Conservative
Shannon Stubbs Conservative Lakeland, AB
Thank you.
Minister Sohi, since the election of Andrew Scheer as the leader of the Conservatives and the official opposition, we've put forward two motions. One is to ask all members to affirm their support of the Trans Mountain expansion, and the second, my motion, is to ask the Prime Minister to deliver a plan for Canadians about how he would use all tools in the tool box to ensure the Trans Mountain expansion would go ahead by February 15. You and your government voted against this motion.
Why did you vote against supporting Trans Mountain?
