Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met to discuss a loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) to the Mersey River wind project in Nova Scotia. Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson defended the project, emphasizing its potential for clean energy, job creation, and economic growth in the region. He stated that the CIB operates independently, making its own investment decisions based on due diligence and commercial discipline. However, committee members questioned the transparency of the loan terms and the involvement of individuals with connections to the Liberal Party. Conservative committee members, led by Dr. Leslyn Lewis, raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and whether the project was financially viable without government subsidies. They questioned Minister Robertson about his knowledge of the project's details and the interest rate on the $206 million loan. They also pointed out that several individuals involved in the project had ties to the Liberal Party. Minister Robertson maintained that the CIB operates independently and that the loan terms are confidential for commercial reasons. Bloc Québécois committee members echoed concerns about the CIB's independence and the potential for political influence. They questioned whether the project would have been possible without the CIB loan and highlighted the lobbying efforts made by project proponents. Liberal committee members defended the project, emphasizing its benefits for Nova Scotia and the importance of the CIB in attracting private investment for infrastructure projects. They also noted that the project had the support of the Progressive Conservative government of Nova Scotia. Witnesses from Roswall Development Inc. and Slate Asset Management, including CEO Daniel Roscoe and Managing Director Jeff Rodgers, provided details about the project and its financing. They emphasized the project's potential to provide clean energy, create jobs, and offer Nova Scotians a choice in their electricity provider. They also defended the project's viability and the role of the CIB in making it possible. A motion was put forward requesting the production of documents related to the loan and communications between the involved parties.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met to discuss ways to support, diversify, and modernize ports in Quebec and Canada. The meeting featured presentations from the National Maritime Group, the Railway Association of Canada, and the Toronto Port Authority, who shared their perspectives on improving port efficiency, addressing labor issues, and enhancing infrastructure. The committee members questioned the witnesses on various topics, including regulatory reform, data sharing, labor stability, and investment in port infrastructure. Derrick Hynes from the National Maritime Group emphasized the need for labor stability and proposed solutions such as geographic certification of unions and the introduction of a special mediator. He also highlighted the importance of private sector investment in port infrastructure and called for greater transparency and accountability in port authority operations. Eric Harvey from the Railway Association of Canada stressed the importance of an integrated supply chain and advocated for accelerating project approvals and addressing labor disruptions. He also suggested expanding the productivity superdeduction to incentivize investment in Canada. Atul Sharma from the Toronto Port Authority discussed the port's role as a gateway for imports and a turnaround destination for the Great Lakes cruise industry. He outlined specific actions the government could take to assist and modernize ports, including facilitating container movement within the Great Lakes corridor, upgrading aging infrastructure, improving access to capital, and streamlining governance. Committee members raised concerns about work stoppages, the expansion of Billy Bishop Airport, and the need for CBSA support at smaller ports like Picton Terminals. Later in the meeting, John Grech from Picton Terminals advocated for targeted federal investment to expand marine infrastructure capacity at underutilized facilities and for timely designation and support from the Canada Border Services Agency to enable container processing. Lorna Campbell from the Port of Sydney Development Corporation discussed the need for governance reform, rail connectivity, and transitional funding to support port modernization in Sydney Harbour. The committee agreed to invite representatives from B'nai Brith to testify as part of the committee's study on the challenges facing Canadian airports. The committee also agreed to debate a motion on Monday, April 20, regarding the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Montreal Port Authority providing the committee with a copy of the financing agreement related to the $1.16 billion loan granted for the construction of the Contrecoeur terminal, as well as risk analyses, financial assessments, and calculation assumptions supporting the project's profitability.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met to discuss two main topics. The first was a loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) to the Mersey River wind farm project in Nova Scotia. Committee members questioned CIB executives about the loan, with some expressing concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to the involvement of individuals with ties to the Liberal Party. CIB representatives defended the loan, stating it was based on the project's merits and followed due diligence processes. They emphasized the project's benefits to Nova Scotians, including increased renewable energy and consumer choice. Ehren Cory, CEO of the CIB, along with Sashen Guneratna and Frédéric Duguay, answered questions about the loan. Leslyn Lewis, a Conservative MP, questioned the interest rate and transparency of the loan, while Jessica Fancy, a Liberal MP from Nova Scotia, highlighted the project's benefits for her constituents. Xavier Barsalou-Duval, a Bloc Québécois MP, raised concerns about political influence and lobbying efforts related to the project. Committee members debated whether the loan was a fair deal for taxpayers and whether political connections played a role in the decision-making process. The second topic was about supporting and modernizing ports in Quebec and Canada. Representatives from the Halifax Port Authority and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation discussed their operations and future plans. Fulvio Fracassi from the Halifax Port Authority talked about the port's role in supporting trade and its capacity to handle large container ships. Luc Boisclair from the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation highlighted the seaway's importance for moving goods and its potential for increased capacity. They also discussed the need for infrastructure investments and collaboration among different government departments. Fred Davies, a Conservative MP, focused on the status of Wharf 18 in Port Colborne and its potential for revitalization. Chi Nguyen, a Liberal MP, inquired about opportunities for new markets and collaboration between government departments. Xavier Barsalou-Duval raised concerns about shoreline erosion and the impact of low water levels on the St. Lawrence Seaway. The committee heard about the challenges and opportunities facing ports and waterways in Canada and the importance of strategic investments to support trade and economic growth. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but committee members gathered information and expressed their views on the topics discussed. The committee may use this information to inform future reports or recommendations to the government.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met to discuss the changing landscape of truck drivers in Canada and port infrastructure. The first part of the meeting focused on truck driver safety and the legal process for victims of accidents involving truck drivers. Peter Verleysen shared the tragic story of his sister's death in a truck accident and called for changes to the legal system to better support victims and prevent delays. Doug Ettinger, CEO of Canada Post, testified about the company's commitment to driver safety and its efforts to avoid using the "Driver Inc." model, which some believe exploits drivers. Committee members questioned Ettinger about Canada Post's oversight of its contractors and subcontractors to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The second part of the meeting shifted to a discussion of Canada's port infrastructure and its role in trade diversification. Daniel-Robert Gooch, from the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, highlighted the need for greater financial flexibility for ports and streamlined project reviews. David Rivest, from Desgagnés Transarctik Inc., emphasized the importance of investing in medium-sized ports and Arctic-serving nodes to support regional economies and resource development. Mike Uberoi, from Melford Atlantic Gateway, advocated for the development of a new deepwater port in Nova Scotia to increase Canada's capacity to handle large container ships and reduce reliance on U.S. ports. Committee members questioned the witnesses about various issues, including the government's support for rail transportation over marine transportation, the need for improved data sharing among ports, and the challenges of navigating red tape and intergovernmental processes. The committee explored how to improve Canada's port infrastructure and trade diversification efforts. They discussed the need for better coordination among different levels of government and agencies, as well as the importance of investing in both large and medium-sized ports to support economic growth and resilience.

The Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee met to discuss issues related to Via Rail service and a motion regarding the Port of Montreal. Micheline St-Onge spoke about the need to restore passenger train service to Gaspésie, highlighting the negative impacts of service disruptions and the importance of rail for healthcare access and regional economic development. Mathieu Paquette, interim CEO of Via Rail, acknowledged past service failures and committed to improving reliability and customer service, including plans to visit Gaspésie to assess the possibility of resuming service. Committee members questioned Via Rail representatives about fleet reliability, winter performance, and plans for improving service in northern Ontario. The committee also discussed a motion concerning the Port of Montreal's remediation plan for contaminated lands in Contrecœur. An amended motion was approved, directing the clerk to send a letter to the Port of Montreal requesting the plan and inviting the Port to comply with environmental regulations. A second motion was introduced, calling for the Department of Transport to ensure Via Rail applies the federal Buy Canadian Policy when renewing its fleet, to support domestic jobs and industrial capacity; this motion was also amended and approved. Later, the committee heard from witnesses representing cruise lines and port authorities. Barry Penner from Cruise Lines International Association discussed the economic contributions of the cruise industry and recommended modernizing port infrastructure, supporting alternative fuel development, expanding shore power, and enhancing maritime competitiveness. Craig Bell Estabrooks from the Saint John Port Authority highlighted the port's growth in container traffic and the need for strategic investments in infrastructure. Kelly Smith from Corner Brook Port Corporation emphasized the importance of independent ports and the challenges they face in maintaining aging infrastructure and accessing federal funding. The committee also discussed a motion to study the Canada Infrastructure Bank's loan to the Mersey River wind project, setting a deadline of April 15 for the study's completion.

The Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee met to discuss issues related to Canadian ports. Representatives from the Montreal, Saguenay, and Trois-Rivières Port Authorities, as well as the Windsor Port Authority, spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing their respective ports. A spokesperson from Vigie Citoyenne Port de Contrecoeur also presented concerns about the Contrecoeur port expansion project. Julien Baudry from the Montreal Port Authority emphasized the need for a national supply chain strategy and greater agility for ports to compete with U.S. ports. Carl Laberge from the Saguenay Port Authority highlighted the port's potential for exporting critical minerals and the need for financial support. Anick Métivier of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority discussed the importance of modernizing port infrastructure and streamlining federal processes. Steve Salmons from the Windsor Port Authority advocated for regulatory reforms to promote short-sea shipping on the Great Lakes. Hélène Reeves, representing Vigie Citoyenne Port de Contrecoeur, raised concerns about the environmental and economic impacts of the Contrecoeur port project, including soil contamination and the involvement of DP World. Committee members discussed issues such as regulatory burdens, financial flexibility for ports, and the need for better data and digital infrastructure. A motion was raised regarding the Port of Montreal's remediation plan for contaminated lands in Contrecoeur, to be discussed at the next meeting.

The Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee held a meeting to discuss two main topics. The first half focused on national security concerns related to BC Ferries purchasing new vessels from China. The second half shifted to supporting and modernizing ports in Quebec and Canada. During the first part, Gary Anandasangaree, the Minister of Public Safety, faced questions about whether a security review was conducted on the BC Ferries deal. He explained that because it was a provincial decision, the federal government didn't have the authority to conduct a review under the Investment Canada Act. Some committee members expressed concern that this could pose a national security risk, especially given warnings from Transport Canada about potential surveillance technology in foreign-manufactured transportation assets. Vanessa Lloyd from CSIS added that they are alert to potential national security concerns and engage with stakeholders at all levels of government and industry partners to make sure they have the opportunity to report any concerns they have. The second part of the meeting featured representatives from the Prince Rupert Port Authority, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, and the Mayor of Matane, Quebec. They discussed the importance of ports for trade and economic growth. They highlighted the need for more efficient permitting processes, investments in port and rail infrastructure, and addressing labor stability. The Mayor of Matane emphasized the urgent need for funding to repair and modernize the port in his city, which is crucial for the local economy. Committee members questioned the port representatives about various issues, including consultation with First Nations communities, port efficiency, and the impact of government funding on port development. The committee is gathering information to make recommendations on how to improve Canada's ports and ensure they can support the country's trade goals.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met to discuss ways to support, diversify, and modernize ports in Quebec and Canada. The committee heard from representatives from the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, the Nanaimo Port Authority, and the Québec Port Authority. They talked about the importance of ports to Canada's economy and trade, and the need for investment in infrastructure to improve port capacity and efficiency. Larissa Fenn from the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority emphasized the importance of treating port capacity as a national issue and investing in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway network. Ian Marr from the Nanaimo Port Authority spoke about the need to diversify and fully use Canada's current port properties and maximize individual capacities. Olga Farman from the Québec Port Authority highlighted the importance of reliable infrastructure for Canada's competitiveness and economic security, noting that much of the infrastructure at the Port of Québec is very old and in need of repair. The committee also heard from the Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon, who spoke about the government's commitment to modernizing ports and investing in trade corridors. He acknowledged that Via Rail needs to improve its service and communication with passengers. Committee members questioned the Minister on topics such as the timeline for high-speed rail projects, the implementation of passenger rights reforms, and the need for better coordination and predictability in labour relations at ports. The committee discussed the importance of investing in infrastructure to support trade and economic growth, and the need for government to streamline project approvals and work with ports to address their specific needs.

The committee continued its study by hearing from Dave Earle, President and CEO of the British Columbia Trucking Association (BCTA), and Mark Bylsma, Chairman, and Geoffrey Wood, Senior Vice-President, Policy, from the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA). Earle stressed the broad impact of Driver Inc., arguing that it has created a culture of non-compliance and puts Canadians at risk. He called for a national safety code, transparent beneficial ownership of companies, and consistent enforcement of regulations. Bylsma and Wood highlighted the progress made in Ontario to address Driver Inc., but emphasized the need for more action. They proposed solutions such as improving driver license integrity, addressing illegal parking, combating criminal activity, preventing forced labor, and overhauling fleet safety oversight. The witnesses also discussed the economic impact of Driver Inc. and the need for government support to address the challenges facing the trucking industry.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met to discuss challenges facing the Canadian trucking industry. Witnesses discussed issues such as freight broker accountability, the Driver Inc. model (misclassifying drivers as independent contractors to avoid taxes and employment standards), and safety concerns. They also discussed the impact of these issues on the towing industry.  Stacey Horlings, owner of 6S Trinity Transport Ltd., spoke about the need for freight brokers to carry surety bonds to protect trucking companies from unpaid invoices. Michael Ludwig, operations manager of Ludwig Transport Limited, highlighted the problems with the Driver Inc. model, including tax evasion and safety risks. Jeff Hall, president of J&R Hall Transport Inc., discussed the challenges of competing with companies that operate illegally and the need for better rest stops for drivers. Réjean Breton, CEO of the Association des professionnels du dépannage du Québec, spoke about the financial burden on towing companies due to unpaid invoices from Driver Inc. related to trucks. Vince Tarantini, president of Carmen Transportation Solutions Ltd., raised concerns about driver licensing, training, and insurance loopholes. Witnesses emphasized the need for increased enforcement of existing laws, better coordination between federal and provincial agencies, and national standards for driver training and insurance. They suggested measures such as mandatory surety bonds for freight brokers, stricter oversight of driving schools, and a national database for tracking offenses and insurance coverage. They also spoke about the need for better rest stops for drivers, especially in northern Ontario. The committee discussed a motion to invite representatives from Canada Post to testify about their possible links with companies practicing the Driver Inc. model. The committee agreed to invite the CEO of Canada Post, along with accompanying team members, to appear before the committee. If Canada Post refuses, a summons will be issued. Several witnesses expressed concerns about the future of the trucking industry if these issues are not addressed. They said that the Driver Inc. model is creating a race to the bottom, where compliant companies are struggling to compete with those that operate illegally. They also warned that safety is being compromised as a result of inadequate training, poor maintenance, and drivers working long hours to maximize their earnings.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met to discuss the challenges and potential solutions related to truck driver safety and labor practices in Canada. The meeting featured emotional testimonies from individuals affected by accidents involving trucks, as well as insights from advocacy groups and experts. Witnesses shared personal stories of loss and injury, highlighting issues such as inadequate training, distracted driving, and the exploitation of truck drivers through schemes like Driver Inc. Claudia Boucher, Nathalie Poulin, and Mélanie Séguin recounted their experiences as victims of truck-related incidents, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and enforcement. Ms. Boucher, a survivor of a truck accident, called for investigations into companies that hire drivers under questionable circumstances. Ms. Poulin, who lost her daughter in an accident, advocated for mandatory training and a national registry for drivers. Ms. Séguin, whose stepdaughter and grandson died in a pile-up caused by a truck driver, urged for changes to laws regarding work permits and passport retention in fatal accidents. Representatives from organizations like the Caledon Community Road Safety Advocacy Group, Justice for Truck Drivers, and the Joy Smith Foundation provided additional perspectives. They discussed issues such as illegal truck yards, wage theft, and the potential for forced labor within the trucking industry. Recommendations included a national commercial driver safety registry, increased collaboration between government levels, and addressing the power imbalance between employers and drivers. Committee members expressed support for the witnesses and discussed potential actions, such as increasing fines for safety violations, improving enforcement of labor standards, and implementing a system for cross-auditing trucking companies. The committee agreed to prolong the study and set a deadline to confirm witness names for a future study on Quebec's and Canada's ports.

The Transport, Infrastructure and Communities committee met to discuss the issue of "Driver Inc.", a practice where truck drivers are classified as self-employed to avoid taxes and regulations. The meeting was marked by significant disagreement and procedural challenges between committee members. Liberal members, particularly Mr. Kelloway and Mr. Lauzon, expressed frustration with Conservative and Bloc Québécois members, accusing them of using the issue for political gain and delaying progress on finding solutions. They emphasized the importance of hearing from victims of accidents involving "Driver Inc." companies but suggested doing so in a way that respects their dignity, potentially in private sessions. They proposed an amendment to the motion that would allow the committee to move forward with hearing from witnesses and drafting a report, while removing a request for a large number of documents from government departments.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met to discuss issues related to tax compliance in the Canadian trucking industry. The meeting focused on the misclassification of truck drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, a practice that allows some companies to avoid tax obligations and deprives drivers of benefits. Wayne Long, Secretary of State for the Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, emphasized the government's commitment to addressing these issues through budget measures, including increased funding for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to enforce tax compliance and share information with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). He highlighted that the proposed measures aim to level the playing field for trucking companies that follow the rules and ensure that all workers receive the benefits they are entitled to. During the meeting, committee members questioned Secretary Long and CRA officials about the timeline for implementing the proposed measures and the expected outcomes. Dan Albas (Conservative) pressed Secretary Long for specific dates, while Xavier Barsalou-Duval (Bloc Québécois) inquired about additional steps beyond the proposed T4A slip measures. Secretary Long stressed the importance of passing the budget to enable the CRA to take action, but he was unable to provide a specific timeline for implementation. CRA officials clarified that they could begin implementing the T4A measures quickly upon parliamentary approval. The committee also discussed a motion to request documents related to non-compliance in the trucking industry and to add additional meetings to hear from victims of heavy truck accidents and representatives from various trucking companies and organizations. Liberal members expressed concerns about the practicality and resource intensiveness of producing the requested documents, as well as the potential for politicizing the experiences of accident victims. A vote on the motion was not held before the meeting adjourned.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met to discuss the changing landscape of truck drivers in Canada, focusing on the 'Driver Inc.' model and worker misclassification. Minister of Jobs and Families, Patty Hajdu, and Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon, testified about government actions to protect truck drivers and ensure fair labor practices. They highlighted investments to combat worker misclassification, strengthen compliance with tax and labor regulations, and increase enforcement on highways. The ministers also addressed concerns about the abuse of temporary foreign workers in the trucking sector. Minister Hajdu emphasized the government's commitment to rooting out worker misclassification, describing it as exploitation. She outlined measures such as increased inspections, penalties for non-compliant employers, and partnerships with provinces to inform drivers of their rights. She also spoke about proposed budget investments to strengthen compliance programs and allow information sharing between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Minister MacKinnon acknowledged the vital role of the trucking industry in the Canadian economy and the challenges posed by the 'Driver Inc.' model. He highlighted the importance of safety and collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial governments to ensure a fair and competitive trucking industry. He also mentioned initiatives such as the 'trucking hackathon' aimed at eliminating trade barriers and improving road safety. Committee members questioned the ministers and officials on various aspects of the issue, including road safety, enforcement measures, and the economic impact of unregulated operations. Some members expressed concerns about the effectiveness of current measures and called for stronger federal action. A motion was proposed to request documents related to non-compliance in the trucking industry from multiple government departments. The committee discussed a motion to request all documents related to non-compliance in the trucking industry from the Departments of Transport, Revenue, and Employment within 30 days, but did not vote on it.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met to discuss issues facing truck drivers in Canada, particularly the "Driver Inc." scheme, where drivers are misclassified as independent contractors to avoid taxes and regulations. Witnesses included representatives from trucking associations, insurance companies, and truck training organizations. Marc Cadieux from the Association du camionnage du Québec emphasized the negative impacts of the Driver Inc. scheme, including lost tax revenue and safety concerns due to inadequate training and vehicle maintenance. He called for stricter enforcement and the reintroduction of mandatory T4A forms to improve traceability of payments. Maximilien Roy and Cecilia Omole from the Insurance Bureau of Canada highlighted the rising costs of insurance claims in the trucking sector, attributing it to factors like inexperienced drivers and fraud. They recommended improved training programs and a national database to verify insurance information. Kim Richardson from the Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada stressed the need for standardized training programs and a national accreditation course for truck driving instructors. He also criticized the Driver Inc. model, stating it contributes to tax evasion and compromises road safety. Several committee members expressed concerns about the safety and fairness issues raised by the witnesses, with some calling for immediate action to address the Driver Inc. scheme and improve training standards. The committee discussed a motion to extend the study to hear from victims of truck accidents and representatives from advocacy groups. After much debate and several proposed amendments, the committee agreed to add two meetings to the study. These meetings will include testimony from victims of accidents involving heavy trucks, representatives from various trucking organizations, and Canada Post. The committee also agreed to provide victims with the option to testify in camera.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities met to discuss issues related to truck drivers in Canada. The committee heard from witnesses representing different perspectives on the "Driver Inc." model, where truck drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This model has raised concerns about tax evasion, worker exploitation, and unfair competition within the trucking industry. Harman Bhangu, a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, argued that the Driver Inc. model is a loophole that allows companies to avoid responsibilities and shift costs onto workers and taxpayers. He proposed clear definitions of employee status, stronger enforcement, protection for vulnerable drivers, and a level playing field for honest carriers. Arjun Vishwanth, representing the Canada Truck Operators Association, countered that Driver Inc. is a manufactured label used by large carriers to undermine competition from small and medium-sized businesses. He claimed that drivers choose to incorporate for autonomy and control over their schedules, and that safety regulations are already in place regardless of employment status. The committee also heard from Shelley Spence, Auditor General of Ontario, who discussed a 2019 audit on commercial vehicle safety and enforcement. The audit found that the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario did not have fully effective processes to ensure commercial vehicle safety. Ritesh Kotak, a lawyer and technology analyst, spoke about how technology can be used to both enforce compliance and enable circumvention of employment laws. Blaine Mitton, who works in mergers and acquisitions in the transportation logistics market, argued that the Driver Inc. model is undermining the trucking industry and that stronger enforcement of existing laws is needed. Committee members debated the extent to which the Driver Inc. model is harmful and how to address the issue. Some members expressed concerns about worker exploitation and tax evasion, while others emphasized the importance of allowing drivers to choose their employment status and maintaining competition in the industry. The committee agreed to request a list of official representatives and contributing members from all organizations that have testified before the committee as part of this study, to ensure transparency and good faith.