Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank my colleague for bringing forward this motion for a study.
In looking at the motion, I think we can all agree that the focus of this study and the concerns we have are about the experience of the passengers who were affected on this train. However, I don't see an opportunity for those who were actually affected on the train to provide their testimony. I think we should offer those who were affected the chance to come and share their story about what happened so that we can better understand it.
I'm trying to think of the best way that this committee could move forward to understand what happened. I think it would be great to hear from the passengers, Via Rail, Transport Canada and, of course, the minister, but I think we really need to hear from the passengers.
With that, I'd like to amend this motion to include the passengers who were on Via Rail train 622 on that date. Obviously, after part a), I don't support the statements as indicated. I would amend the motion to remove sections b) and c). I think we can all agree that the focus is to make sure that this never happens again and to understand what happened.
Again, I would like to amend the motion to include the passengers in section a). Actually, I would also amend it to include that the committee request the letter.... I believe there were media reports that the Minister of Transport issued a letter to Via Rail. I would ask that the letter from the minister to Via Rail be shared with this committee as well.