Mr. Speaker, it has obviously been a difficult past 12 days for our country. I will be making my speech today from the perspective of transport, but I would like to preface my remarks by acknowledging that many of the issues we are struggling with go well beyond transportation.
As Canadians, whether we realize it or not, we inherit and benefit from the rich legacy of those who came before us, of the indigenous peoples who lived here from time immemorial, of the Europeans and others who came later and settled here, of all those who built the infrastructure and institutions that underline our present wealth and status as one of the most successful countries in human history, including the rail networks, ports, bridges and roads that continue to play a vital role in connecting our vast country from coast to coast to coast.
However, in addition to inheriting this tremendously valuable legacy, we also inherited the mistakes and misdeeds of those who came before us. Much of our present good fortune came at the expense of indigenous people and communities who were displaced and had their lives and customs disrupted, some of whom we made treaties with, which were often violated either in word or spirit, and many of whom were forced into residential schools in an attempt at cultural assimilation.
We all live with the consequences of those decisions, the dual legacy of the accomplishments, the mistakes and the mistreatment. As a government and a country, we possess a better understanding today of those mistakes that were made in the past, the effects of which are still felt today and are reflective of things such as a lower quality of life for indigenous people or systemic challenges, including higher rates of incarceration.
We have embarked upon a long and difficult process of reconciliation. It presents many challenges, but it is also essential if we want to move forward and build a country that we can be more proud of. However, untangling some of those past mistakes and patterns is challenging. Many indigenous people in this country are angry over how their communities have been treated and are suspicious and mistrustful of the government, of our system of law and our police forces that enforce it, and not without some justification. To their credit, many non-indigenous Canadians sympathize with these feelings.
All this is to say, to repeat an earlier remark, that these issues raised by the protests we have been experiencing over the last 12 days go well beyond transport. They are complex and not easily resolved. They stir deep feelings of anger and resentment.
It is easy to feel frustrated over the cost and inconvenience of these blockades and the protests that are causing them, but it is important to understand the reasons behind them. It is also essential to show compassion and understanding toward each other, to show some patience and take the time necessary to truly listen. We have to think about the people who are losing their jobs and seeing their lives disrupted as a result of the blockades, but we also have to think about those lives that have been impacted by a legacy of racism, neglect, marginalization and ignorance. What is called for at this moment is empathy, patience and cooler heads as we try to find a peaceful, negotiated solution. As the Minister of Indigenous Services has remarked, we have a choice in this country: We can either repeat some of the mistakes we have been making for hundreds of years or we can find a more peaceful path.
Let me turn to discussing some transportation aspects, with an emphasis on safety.
The government feels very strongly about safety, especially around our rail transportation corridors. As a government, we have a duty to ensure that our rail system and its infrastructure are safe. We take that responsibility seriously. Our rail companies are also working to make their operations as safe as possible. Consequently, we are preoccupied with the recent activities in and around rail lines and rail yards across our country.
As the Minister of Transport remarked last Friday, let us be clear that rail lines and rail yards are dangerous places for people without the proper training. Working in proximity to rail lines and railcars requires a complete awareness of safety procedures. Furthermore, large moving trains confronted with unexpected obstacles on a rail line cannot stop instantly. This presents an extreme hazard to the lives of those inside the train and in front of a moving train.
I also want to remind Canadians that tampering with rail lines, railcars or signalling systems is illegal and extremely dangerous. In addition to putting themselves at risk, they are endangering rail workers and train passengers, as well as the living communities around them.
I would ask those who are violating the Railway Safety Act to consider the consequences should a serious accident occur, that injuries may kill innocent people. Will this advance the cause of reconciliation? Will it help indigenous people?
However sincerely the protesters hold their concerns, we cannot condone activity that deliberately obstructs rail operations. Therefore, I am calling on all Canadians to respect the Railway Safety Act and be conscious of the dangers associated with recent demonstrations. I know there are some who may perceive rail stoppages as something that only affects large companies' profitability. However, when rail services are disrupted we cannot overlook the impact on people's jobs, livelihoods and lives. We cannot overlook the impact of safe and efficient shipping of things such as propane and other fuels for heating homes, agriculture products, medical supplies, de-icing fluid at airports and so much more. These and other shipments are all sitting idle, unable to get to their destinations, because of obstructions on rail corridors. CN announced that blockages could force the rail company to shut down significant parts of its network. Hundreds of trains have been halted because of those blockages. VIA cancellations mean people cannot get to their homes or other destinations.
As I alluded to earlier in my remarks, there is no denying that there is a sense of alienation. There is no sense denying that there is a divide between us and different perspectives on an important issue. There is no denying that Canadians should have freedom to express their frustrations and concerns, but taking those frustrations and concerns to the country's vital rail network is dangerous. Livelihoods are at stake; lives are at stake. Canada is a trading nation, and our coastal inline ports are critical for both domestic and international trade.