I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to the seventh meeting of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House Order of November 25, 2021. Members may attend in person in the room or remotely use the Zoom application.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind all participants in this meeting that screenshots or taking photos of your screen is not permitted. The proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website.
Given the ongoing pandemic situation and in light of the recommendations from Public Health authorities as well as the directive of the Board of Internal Economy of January 28, 2022, to remain healthy and safe, the following is recommended for all those attending the meeting in person.
Anyone with symptoms should participate by Zoom and not attend the meeting in person. Everyone must maintain two-metre physical distancing, whether seated or standing. Everyone must wear a non-medical mask when circulating in the room. It is recommended in the strongest possible terms that members wear their masks at all times, including when seated. Non-medical masks, which provide better clarity over cloth masks, are available in the room.
Everyone present must maintain proper hand hygiene by using the hand sanitizer at the room entrance. Committee rooms are cleaned before and after each meeting. To maintain this, everyone is encouraged to clean surfaces such as the desk, chair and microphone with the provided disinfectant wipes when vacating or taking a seat.
As the chair, I'll be enforcing these measures for the duration of the meeting, and I thank members in advance for their co-operation.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, January 31, 2022, the committee is meeting to discuss railway safety and its effects on surrounding communities.
Before I begin and invite the witnesses to deliver their opening remarks, colleagues, I've had discussions with all of you. If there is no objection, as discussed, I will go into committee business at 5:10. Are there any objections?
Seeing none, I thank you, colleagues.
Our witnesses today are from the Bluewater Association for Safety, Environment and Sustainability. We have Vince Gagner, general manager.
From the Municipality of Terrasse-Vaudreuil, in the riding of Vaudreuil—Soulanges, we have Mayor Michel Bourdeau.
We also have Marc Brazeau and Gregory Kolz, respectively President and Chief Executive Officer and Director, Government Relations, from the Railway Association of Canada.
Appearing as well are Teresa Eschuk and Mike Martin, respectively National Vice-President and Policy Advisor, of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees.
We will begin with opening remarks.
I will turn the microphone over to you, Mr. Gagner. You have five minutes. The floor is yours.