House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 54% of the vote.
Public Safety February 27th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, it is very hard to resolve the problem. I should point out that trains are beginning to move again, not only moving freight across this country but also moving passengers, so the situation is improving. It is not where we want it to be, and we are going to continue to work very hard.
We are extremely happy with the dialogue that is going to start today with the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs. We are working with a very sensible approach to solve this problem.
The Economy February 27th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, the answer is that we are working around the clock to solve this problem as quickly as possible. That is why we initiated an important dialogue that will begin today. At the same time, we have sent a clear message that the barricades must come down and the rail system must get back up to full speed. That is what is happening right now. We are well aware that we must continue in this direction so that our economy can get back to normal.
Transport February 27th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, our commitment to safe shipping on the west coat of this country is a very strong one because we realize to what level it is important to get our products to Asian and other international markets. That is why we are very proud of the oceans protection plan, which contains more than 50 measures to make our marine shipping industry safer and our waters more safe. That is why we are also involving our first nations, and we are very proud of that. We are going to continue to work in that direction.
Transport February 25th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, as the member is probably aware, the new interim protocol for anchorage was developed in partnership with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Pacific Pilotage Authority Canada, industry stakeholders and communities to respond to the immediate concerns of certain coastal communities.
The government's long-term strategy will be aimed at improving the management of anchorages outside of public ports with a view to ensuring the long-term efficiency and reliability of the supply chain and mitigating environmental and social impacts.
I want to thank the member for his advocacy on the file.
Economy February 25th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, we understand the situation very well. That is why we have been working day and night to resolve this problem from the start. It is important to have a dialogue. It is also important for the blockades to come down so that our rail services may resume. That is what we have been doing from the start. We are working on a resolution for both the short term and the long term.
The Economy February 25th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, we are here to resolve the problem. As my colleague said, we are aware of the impact this is having on many industries, including the forestry industry, the lumber industry and the agricultural industry. We are very aware of the situation.
That is why we have started to make progress. For example, part of the track was reopened yesterday, and the first CN train was able to travel between Toronto and Montreal. We hope that all of the trains will soon be running again all over the country.
The Economy February 25th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, we fully understand the impact on the economy and on those who have been laid off. We are very aware of the situation.
The Prime Minister has been taking action from the start. We are working very hard to end the blockades. They are, of course, a provincial responsibility in the three provinces affected. We are working to have the blockades removed as quickly as possible.
Rail Transportation February 24th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, I am very aware of the inconvenience that this has had for a lot of passengers who depend on VIA Rail. I, myself, am a regular VIA Rail traveller. I know the impact that this has had on a large number of Canadians.
That is why the good news is that VIA Rail has begun to bring back some of its trains, namely between Montreal and Quebec since the Saint-Lambert blockade has been removed, and also between Toronto and Windsor. We are hoping very soon to fully re-establish the service between Montreal and Toronto.
Rail Transportation February 20th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, once again, that is why we are working so hard.
However, I do want to make the point that there are trains moving in the west. There are trains that are picking up natural resources and moving them across the country. The challenge, of course, is that we want to get rid of all the blockades so we can get all the trains moving. That is why we are working so hard to find a long-term, peaceful, durable solution.
Rail Transportation February 20th, 2020
Mr. Speaker, my colleague raises a very important point. Even though at this point we are talking mainly about the stoppage of trains in the country, those trains typically do go to ports. There is no question that this is having an impact on the ports. That is why we are working so hard to find a durable solution, and a solution that goes through dialogue, so we can resolve this for the long term.