Federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt this week announced a statutory review of Canada’s transportation legislation a year ahead of schedule.
The review is being done a year earlier than required to address a range of changing conditions and challenges, says Transport Canada, including those related to the transportation of grain on the Prairies. It will also examine what improvements could be made in a number of areas, including: our strategic transportation gateways and corridors; Canada’s transportation safety and environmental regimes; the role of technological innovation in improving transportation services and infrastructure; the safe movement of goods through communities; support for the northern transportation system; federally regulated passenger rail services; the vitality of our aviation sector and air connectivity; and governance and service delivery for key federal operations, assets, and agencies.
The review reaffirms our government’s commitment to meeting the transportation challenges and opportunities of the next decade, in support of Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. The review will look at the Canada Transportation Act (CTA) and other acts related to transportation in Canada, and will analyze how existing laws and regulations affect competitiveness.
It will also explore how government, industry and other stakeholders can address the key issues facing the transportation sector, including ensuring Canada’s supply chains have the capacity, flexibility and resiliency to meet future demands.
The Honourable David L. Emerson, P.C., will head the arm’s-length review with the support of five advisors representing a broad range of transportation perspectives and industry experience from various regions of the country.
Mr. Emerson will submit recommendations to the Minister of Transport by late next year.