Transport committee  It could be that. In fact, we would have to ensure that regarding transportation planning—

Transport committee  Complementary planning, that is between cars and public transit, is important. We really have to study everything that is happening.

Transport committee  Thank you for your question. It is due to, among other things, this country's diversity that we need to sit down around the table to clarify each participant's role and to find the goal. For example, the Gas Tax Fund is determined on a per capita basis. The smaller communities will tell you that it is difficult for them.

Transport committee  It is not a very expensive measure. Federally, however, this has not been done. Quebec workers do not pay tax on the transit allowance they receive from their employers. This measure does not exist federally. It exists in the United States, in France and in England. We think other provinces would be interested.

Transport committee  We will hold summits on tax policies, urban transit development plans, long-term visions, goals and economic development plans. A federal-provincial-territorial meeting would certainly be one avenue. We think all the partners should sit down around a table to discuss what they want to do about public transit.

Transport committee  In fact, that is already being done. The FCM has said that it is open to dialogue. The provinces are one example. The intergovernmental task force on urban transportation of the Council of Deputy Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety is already discussing these options.

Transport committee  It will surely help to make sure that with all the plans we're putting in place in the economy, like the gateways, we can really integrate transit and make it part of that. What we're really talking about is a policy framework, and not really a strategy. We've just conducted a study, and we were looking at about 30 elements of what could be a framework.

Transport committee  I'll take this one. Obviously that's what we're saying, and that's what was demonstrated by the report from StatsCan. While you're driving, even if it takes you less time to go to work, you're basically stuck behind a wheel and drive. When you're on public transit you can work, take a nap, or do other things.

Transport committee  It plays a major role. It is no coincidence if we see increasing numbers of chambers of commerce say that an integrated approach by all levels of government in the area of public transit is essential. This is the case of the Toronto Board of Trade and the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.

Transport committee  That is a fairly interesting point. There are different ways. We know—we have already talked about the future of public transit and rapid transit systems—it takes years to develop and implement a rapid bus service or light rail service. A number of high quality jobs are then created.

Transport committee  Mr. Chair, members of the committee, my name is Patrick Leclerc and I am the Director of Public Affairs at the Canadian Urban Transit Association. Today I am accompanied by my colleague, Christopher Norris, who is the Director of Technical Services. First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for inviting us to testify before your committee about a possible national policy on public transit.