Transport committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair and members of the committee. We are pleased to be here this afternoon to answer questions that members may have on Bill C-11. As was the case last time, I have with me today, from the Canadian Transportation Agency, Mr. Seymour Isenberg, Director General R

Transport committee  Merci, Monsieur McGuinty. In terms of sanctions, I think in our power we can order some modifications. If we talk about noise, for instance, we can order modifications and we can order things to the railway if that is not followed. We have the power of a superior court, and if

Transport committee  It could be to take corrective measures. I'd like to ask Seymour Isenberg to give you more information on that, because it's his field.

Transport committee  As I explained when we appeared before the committee last time, we are preparing the conceptual framework for the guidelines. As soon as the legislation is implemented, we will undertake a consultation process with all of the country's stakeholders, in order to establish these gu

Transport committee  So far, we are concentrating on noise.

Transport committee  I think Seymour would be the best one to answer that question.

Transport committee  : I can respond as we go along: it will be easier that way.

Transport committee  The Agency has experience with reasonable and unreasonable situations. We operate within the Transportation Act as well as in piloting and some provisions of Canada's Marine Act. We have the expertise and we are used to dealing with noise or with reasonable and unreasonable situa

Transport committee  The guidelines will be drafted. The use of decibels is only one way to assess noise. It will certainly be factored in when we consider our approach. They are guidelines, and not regulations. Guidelines are the preferred option because they will allow us to undertake a national co

Transport committee  Perhaps, because I...

Transport committee  You have made yourself clear. If the bill states that the Minister may request that the Agency do this, then the Agency will have to wait until the Minister makes the request.

Transport committee  And if the bill states that the agency must do something, then the agency will do it.

Transport committee  That is your problem to deal with.

Transport committee  No, I am not uncomfortable. Our job is to enforce and interpret the act, and your job is to draft legislation.

Transport committee  I don't know.