Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform the member that during the 2006 election campaign, the Conservatives promised to fix the bridge and make it safe.
In the wake of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy several months ago, I cannot help but point out the government's failure to understand the importance of railway safety.
The insignificant response I got to a completely legitimate question I asked a few weeks ago is proof of that.
The people of the greater Quebec City area are concerned and have every right to an answer. They need to know that the bridge is not a danger to them and that it is safe for them to use in the coming years, especially given that the volume of traffic is increasing.
Rust is clearly visible, and if CN does not do something to ensure that the bridge is viable, the federal government cannot sit idly by.
I hope that the government understands the urgency and that it will move beyond its long-standing disputes with CN.