Transport Committee on Sept. 20th, 2018

[Scott Taymun, Director General, Transformation and Border Infrastructure and Renewal Directorate, Canada Border Services Agency]

I'd like to talk a little bit to that.

We would have the volume data going backwards in time. We'd be able to get you that number. Going forward in time, there's the Transport Canada traffic study from 2014, which is projecting forward. We are trying to get a read from Transport Canada regarding what the volume forecast is going to be. We don't have solid data on that volume forecast.

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

Thank you very much.

We'll move on to Mr. Badawey.

[Vance Badawey, Liberal, Niagara Centre, ON]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Gentlemen, your president, John Ossowski, just stated at the Detroit conference that a 1% increase in border delay negatively impacts GDP by 1%. Can you give us some comments with respect to what steps CBSA has taken to facilitate cross-border commerce?

[Martin Bolduc]

As we mentioned in our opening remarks, leveraging advance information is key. That means having the ability to assess and make a predetermination before the cargo shows up at the border; promoting our trusted trader programs; knowing who the truck company is, who the importer is, and who the truck driver is; and, leveraging technology and having the ability to pick up information through RFID readers.

Instead of having a commercial trucker show up at the border, turn off the engine, provide information to a border services officer, and then start the engine again and be on his way, we're looking at having technology to be able to remotely have the truck essentially slow down, stop, and be on its way. Our initial analysis tells us—don't quote me on the number—that we'll probably be able to shave about 30 seconds off each transaction.

Those things are being considered. We believe that they will expedite cargo at the border.

[Vance Badawey, Liberal, Niagara Centre, ON]

Exports and imports account for 60% of Canada's GDP, and with that, progressive free trade agreements that we're now working on now, that we've established now.... I'm going to get a bit more specific to my area, because we are, as you know, going on to travel and we're going to hear from a lot of stakeholders. Unlike the member opposite, I feel that to strengthen our international trade performance, we must all be in this together—all members of the House as well as parts of our teams within the departments. We're all in this to ensure that we do in fact get the job done.

Specific to the Peace Bridge, and of course the Niagara region where it belongs with our partners on the opposite side of the border in western New York, they'll be having a lane closure between October 15 and May 15 to complete a $100-million rehab project. Their need is to have CBSA ensure that the lanes are in fact staffed in regard to gridlock, which would negatively impact our GDP and the region within that specific economic cluster. Can CBSA assure me that the Peace Bridge will be adequately resourced during this time so that there are in fact no delays and—once again—GDP is not affected? As your president stated, a 1% increase in border delay negatively impacts the GDP by 1%.

[Martin Bolduc]

I saw in your travel itinerary that you will be meeting with local CBSA executives. I can tell you that we are working hand in hand with bridge authorities. Can I give you a guarantee? Nothing is guaranteed in life. Are we making every effort to be able to respond and adequately provide the services that importers expect of us? Yes, we are. I know that there has been planning going on, and we'll adjust as needed, but our objective is to have a minimal impact. I'm sure that you will hear the same from my colleagues when you visit Niagara.

[Vance Badawey, Liberal, Niagara Centre, ON]

Thank you, gentlemen.

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

Go ahead, Mr. Aubin.

[Robert Aubin, NDP, Trois-Rivières, QC]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I have a very simple question. In this study, we want to be able to measure the way to improve our efficiency because that has a direct impact on the economy. According to the World Bank's report titled “Connecting to Compete 2018”, Canada has slipped to the 20th rank internationally when it comes to its logistic performance index. I have a two-part question.

Can you talk to me about that index? What does it consist of? What are the measured elements?

Should we be concerned about Canada slipping to the 20th rank?

[Martin Bolduc]

I cannot talk to you specifically about that study.

In the logistical chain, the Canada Border Services Agency is one link out of many. What we are trying to focus on is bringing facilities in certain ports together, like my colleague mentioned. It's about working with the industry to ensure adequate infrastructure that enables us to do our job as quickly as possible. Of course, in some locations, we are limited by road infrastructure. In other locations, natural elements limit us.

The CBSA operates in a certain way in the facilities it owns. In other circumstances, that is provided to us under section 6 of the Customs Act. As for bridges and tunnels, their operators must provide us with facilities. That is sort of how we deal with these issues.

[Robert Aubin, NDP, Trois-Rivières, QC]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Judy Sgro]

Thank you to our witnesses. We appreciate the information.

We are going to suspend briefly while the witnesses leave, before we go to our committee business.

[Proceedings continue in camera]