Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Welcome to the committee, Minister.
Congratulations on your new appointment as Minister of Transport.
I do share the concern that was raised earlier, that the Department of Transport and Treasury Board are two very big portfolios, two very big departments. I am actually wondering how you are going to find the time to get this work done properly, but it will be up to you to demonstrate that in how you do your job.
First, since we are discussing Via Rail today, I would like to tell you that I am actually pleasantly surprised to learn that since you were appointed, you have already had an opportunity to speak with Via Rail management.
In my opinion, if there is a reason for the situation that occurred at Via Rail, I put it down to bad management, bad service and service interruptions. I am not blaming you personally; I blame Via Rail management, the way Via Rail is organized.
In addition, if I were to fault the government for something, I would put it down to the fact that it has been so slow to start the process for a dedicated track service like the high-speed train, the high-speed train we are aiming for. There is also the fact that the long-haul fleet is obsolete, and that repeated breakdowns and such long service interruptions, whether we like it or not, are happening repeatedly, and this is of real concern.
Is this situation a matter of concern for you too?