Mr. Speaker, at the outset may I point out that I was one of the nine members of Parliament who voted in opposition to Bill C-68. I want to go on the record here today as indicating to this House that there was no action taken against any of us for the position we took relative to that vote some time ago. Maybe that will clarify the minds of some of the members of the Reform Party who said that we were going to be held in some disdain for the stands we took. Such was not the case.
With regard to the bill before us today, the federal government is committed to a safe, efficient, affordable, and competitive transportation system for Canada. This legislation is part of the modernization process that is already under way.
The constituents in my riding welcome a modernization and an increase in efficiency in the system. They have a lot at stake in this legislation. The entire riding's economy rises and falls on the relative wellness of the grain industry. Many changes have taken place in the grain farming industry in the past year. There is a period of very dramatic adjustment that our farming community is embracing and dealing with at this moment. The Canada transportation act is one more adjustment. Hence, we must be very careful as we proceed.
Let me say at the outset that I am concerned about short line rails in the expansion. I am concerned about shippers so that they have some degree of knowledge that they are going to be protected and that their rights are preserved in this new competitive arrangement under the new act. That is why I am pleased that this bill is now being referred to committee. This will give the committee and the public ample opportunity to review and debate the merits of each of the aspects of the bill.
In my riding there are many groups with very good ideas, constructive criticisms, and suggestions for changing and finetuning on this bill. They want to look at these very carefully and consider the impact of the bill for the long term. This can take place on a detailed level in committee.
I know that this bill addresses the entire spectrum of transportation issues, from rail to air to marine. In particular, my concern is the modernization and increased efficiencies of the rail sector. The legislation cuts red tape and eliminates administrative costs. It restricts government involvement in the day to day affairs of the rail industry.
Rail is the most highly regulated mode of transport in Canada. The act reduces the number of actions that require regulatory agency involvement from almost 200 to 40. This is in line with the federal government's commitment to streamline operations, eliminate duplication, and improve the way we deliver service.
The legislation makes it easier for short line operators to take over lines by making the process more commercially oriented, less adversarial, and more conducive to the sale or lease of surplus lines to newcomers.
The legislation also contains details to preserve shipper rights and protections. There is a lot of heated debate in this area. This is what our government wants to hear. We want those people affected by these changes to come forward at the committee stage and contribute to the final version of the bill.
The CTA is one more step this government has taken toward the modernizing of Canada's transport sector. It enables Canada and Canadian businesses to compete in the 21st century. That, along with our concern for the actions of the agriculture sector, can contribute to a more sufficient and efficient system that is foremost in the world.