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.
4:30 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Can I interrupt, just for a half-second? I need unanimous consent from the committee to continue on while the bells are ringing.
Do I have unanimous consent?
4:30 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
4:30 p.m.
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
We have enacted a comprehensive plan for the economy through measures such as middle-class tax cuts, the Canada child benefit, and investments in infrastructure. These infrastructure investments are supporting thousands of new jobs in construction, manufacturing, transportation, engineering, and professional services.
In the Montreal area, the construction of the new Champlain Bridge is creating thousands of jobs. In December, when it is scheduled to be open to traffic, the bridge will make it easier for Montrealers who travel back and forth from the south shore. Likewise, the Gordie Howe international bridge will provide an additional crossing at one of the busiest points of the Canada-U.S. border, and the expansion of this critical trade route will improve connection between Windsor and Detroit.
Let me dig into how this plan has already delivered concrete results for Canadians after only two years. I'm proud to report that more than 20,000 projects are either in progress or already completed. These investments are improving public transit systems. In British Columbia, faster, more frequent bus service is being rolled out to all metro Vancouver communities. More than 500 bus drivers are being hired in the largest recruitment drive since the 2010 Olympics.
Our government's investment is also improving water treatment plants across the country. This means cleaner and safer drinking water for more Canadians, regardless of where they live.
Our investments are expanding the number of affordable rental housing units while renewing the existing stock. That means more Canadian families will have access to a safe and affordable place to call home and indigenous communities will have access to better housing.
Through the disaster mitigation and adaptation fund, which we just launched last week, our investment will better protect communities from the potential impacts of a changing climate. That means fewer communities will have their lives disrupted by extreme events such as flooding and fires.
Through the smart cities challenge, we're encouraging communities to use data and connected technologies to improve the quality of life for all Canadians. For the first round, we received 130 applications representing communities from every province and territory.
I also want to take this opportunity to reiterate our progress on bilateral agreements and why they are so important. Stable and predictable funding is what allows our partners to better manage the existing assets while planning for new infrastructure projects. To date, I have signed eight bilateral agreements, and we're working hard to finalize the remaining five.
One of the projects these agreements are funding is Calgary's green line LRT route. This new line is expected to support an estimated 20,000 jobs during the design and construction phase, and an additional 400 long-term jobs will support its operation and maintenance when the new line is up and running. Once in service, the green line will provide transit riders in the city's north and southeast communities with a direct route to the downtown core. It will also improve connections to hospitals, employment centres, and community centres.
In Edmonton, improvements to the busy railway crossing at 50 Street and the CP rail will reduce congestion and travel time for drivers. It will also give businesses in the area a more efficient way to move their products around Edmonton. During the construction phase, this project is expected to create 900 well-paying jobs.
My colleagues, the investments I have outlined today are already paying dividends for Canadians, and they will continue to do so for generations to come.
Thank you for the opportunity to address you, and I'm happy to take questions.
4:35 p.m.
Conservative
May 23rd, 2018 / 4:35 p.m.
Conservative
Matt Jeneroux Conservative Edmonton Riverbend, AB
Minister, in an interview with CTV's Question Period this weekend, you said that negotiations with Kinder Morgan on indemnification are happening in private because your government is “protecting the public interest”. Later in that same interview, when asked how much indemnification will cost Canadian taxpayers, you said, remarkably, that Canadians will know once those discussions are concluded and that it will be an open, transparent discussion about what indemnification government will provide to Kinder Morgan.
Seriously, how can Canadians possibly have an open and transparent discussion around indemnification when your government already agreed upon the terms with Kinder Morgan behind closed doors?
4:35 p.m.
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
The reason that we have given approval to the Trans Mountain expansion is that it is going to create thousands of jobs for Canadians, as well as take our natural resources to international markets. That has been a challenge for decades, and particularly the last decade where we have not seen a single pipeline built for international markets.
4:35 p.m.
Conservative
4:35 p.m.
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
This will allow us to expand our market. It will allow us to get better pricing for Alberta oil. That's the reason why we're building it—
4:35 p.m.
Conservative
4:35 p.m.
Liberal
4:35 p.m.
Conservative
Matt Jeneroux Conservative Edmonton Riverbend, AB
Minister, you are the only Albertan around the cabinet table, yet we have seen no progress since Kinder Morgan made their announcement of May 31 as a deadline. What are you doing personally to fight for this project?
4:35 p.m.
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
I can assure the honourable colleague, this committee and Canadians, and particularly Albertans, that our government is committed to getting the Trans Mountain expansion pipeline built. I have been the strongest voice around the table and I will continue to be.
The Prime Minister has stated often, as well as the Minister of Natural Resources, as well as the Minister of Finance, that we are exploring all options, including indemnification for the—
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
Matt Jeneroux Conservative Edmonton Riverbend, AB
Minister, you have negotiated behind closed doors. You say it's an open and transparent process, yet you're negotiating behind closed doors. You said both answers on CTV's Question Period. I'm asking you point blank what are you personally doing to get this project built? You are the only Albertan. Many of us have our hopes that you're fighting for the project. However, Minister, we have seen zero progress. We have seen you show up to press conferences and simply nod your head, along with whatever minister there is beside you. We have yet to see any progress on this pipeline.
You have eight days until May 31, Minister. What are you doing to get this project built?
4:40 p.m.
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
I can sense the frustration in the member's voice. Maybe that frustration is reflective of 10 years of inaction by the Harper government.
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
Matt Jeneroux Conservative Edmonton Riverbend, AB
Minister, there are 6.8% of Edmontonians, in our city that we represent together, who are unemployed, and you think a talking point like that satisfies Edmontonians? I think you're entirely out of touch.
4:40 p.m.
Liberal
Amarjeet Sohi Liberal Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
I can tell you that our government is very optimistic about the future of Alberta. In 2017 Albertans created 50,000 jobs and led the country in economic growth. In 2018 Alberta will continue to lead in economic growth because we believe in Albertans. We believe in their ability and their resiliency to build an economy that works for all and—
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
Matt Jeneroux Conservative Edmonton Riverbend, AB
Minister, on February 13 you had the opportunity to—
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
4:40 p.m.
Conservative
Matt Jeneroux Conservative Edmonton Riverbend, AB
On February 13, Minister, you voted against support for the Trans Mountain pipeline. Why?
4:40 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
I'm sorry, Mr. Jeneroux, I have to cut you off.
I have to move on to Mr. Badawey.