Thank you, Madam Chair.
Madam Chair and honourable members, I am pleased to meet with the committee today to talk about the main estimates.
Joining me today is Michael Keenan, Deputy Minister of Transport, and André Lapointe, Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer of Corporate Services.
I would like to take a moment to talk about some of the key initiatives that Transport Canada is going to implement this year.
In addition to the funds included in the main estimates, budget 2017 proposed investments for transportation-related initiatives that would provide additional funds for the department in future estimates. These initiatives would help the department improve marine safety, enhance and develop new regulations, and support investments in transportation infrastructure.
For example, the $1.5 billion investment announced for the oceans protection plan represents the most significant investment ever made to protect our oceans and coastlines. It is a robust national plan that will protect our oceans and coastlines from the potential impacts of marine shipping and ensure the health of our oceans for generations to come.
Transport Canada will work closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver the various initiatives of the plan. We will also continue to develop stronger relationships and partnerships with indigenous and coastal communities.
The budget also proposes funding to enable Transport Canada to develop regulations for the safe deployment and integration of emerging technology such as unmanned air vehicles and connected and autonomous vehicles.
In addition, Transport Canada would be provided funding for a trade and transportation information system, initiatives to support clean technology and greenhouse gas reductions in the transportation sector, and a national trade corridors fund to support investment in trade-related transportation.
Funds for these initiatives would be added to our departmental budget in due course. These initiatives are all critical elements for delivering on our transportation 2030 strategic plan, which represents a major renewal of transportation policy in support of trade and economic growth, a cleaner environment, and the well-being of Canadians.
The plan is focused on five themes. First is the traveller, in order to provide them with greater choice, better service, lower costs, and new consumer rights, Second is safer transportation, in order to build a more secure transportation system. Third is green and innovative transportation to reduce air pollution and embrace new technologies. Fourth is waterways, coasts, and the north to build world-leading marine corridors and enhance northern transportation infrastructure; and finally trade corridors to global markets to improve our transportation system to get products to market and grow Canada's economy.
Over the coming weeks and months, I will be bringing forward other key elements of the transportation 2030 plan. I hope I've circulated a placemat for your reference to help situate the various initiatives under the respective themes. I look forward to future discussions on how we are progressing in delivering the plan.
Thank you, Madam Chair.