I will answer while my friend Jim can listen to the interpretation.
We did not mention Lac-Mégantic, but it is a tragedy for us all in Canada. We have been very aware of it. Every single railway worker at CN or in North America has been affected by the tragic accident in Lac-Mégantic that took the lives of 47 Canadians and wiped out the downtown area.
I would like to point out that, on the morning of the accident, Saturday, July 6, my colleague Mike Farkouh went to Lac-Mégantic. He was part of a team tasked to do three things. First, they had to determine whether a similar accident could happen at CN; we don’t think so. Second, they had to work with stakeholders to learn how to take action in the event of an accident of that magnitude. Third, they had to support the first responders from Sherbrooke and Lac-Mégantic.
The biggest change as a result of that tragedy is that rail companies have recognized that they have to do a better job of informing communities of what goes on in their areas. They have to understand that we are an integral part of their community and of their daily lives.
As Mr. Vena said, the CN has launched an engagement program in over 1,200 communities across Canada where it operates the network. We have met with people from more than 300 municipalities to talk about the transportation of hazardous materials, rail safety and level crosses. We have told them above all that the mayor, the municipal council and the people must be well aware of who the railway going through their municipalities belongs to, and who Jim Vena and Mike Farkouh are. The work has not stopped. Not one single day passes by without us being conscious of our duty to ensure that communities are aware of what do.
A number of measures are in place for the transportation of hazardous materials. A great deal of training is also provided to first responders in municipalities and to our employees. Incidents may occur, but a tragedy like the one in Lac-Mégantic is exceptional. However, we must keep in mind that communities expect CN to be there when something like that happens but also beforehand in order to train responders.
Mr. Berthold, that was a wake-up call for everyone in the industry. We have all been woken up by it. Without tooting our own horn, I think CN has played a leadership role in the field. As a result, the industry sees itself as a whole; the Railway Association of Canada, CP and short-line railways have become aware of the commitment they must make. They are true participants in the process.