I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 126 of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
I want to remind all members before we start the meeting to read the best practices guidelines on the cards on the table. These measures are in place to protect the health and safety of our participants, most notably our translators, whom we have in the back over there.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format.
I have some general comments. I'd like to remind all participants of the following.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. All comments should be addressed through the chair.
Members, please raise your hand if you wish to speak, whether you're participating in person or via Zoom. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Friday, September 6, 2024, the committee is commencing its study of passenger rail service and the Via Rail Canada incident on August 31, 2024.
I'd now like to welcome our witnesses.
We have three representatives from Via Rail Canada: Mario Péloquin, president and chief executive officer; Rita Toporowski, chief service delivery officer; and Denis Lavoie, general counsel.
Welcome to all of you.
You will be given up to five minutes for your remarks, after which we will proceed with a round of questions.
I now invite you to take the floor.