TRAN Committee Report

NDP Supplementary Opinion

While we support the majority report, we believe it fails to address several crucial issues and important witness statements. Therefore, the NDP is providing this document as a supplementary opinion to the interim report on the Canadian transportation and logistics strategy.

The supplementary opinions of the New Democrats balance economic development and the well-being of Canadians. They reflect the ideas and values defended by the NDP and meet the expectations of Canadians as regards coexistence, energy transition, safety and promoting gender equality.

First of all, the NDP believes the government should be committed to ensuring that Canadians are able to coexist peacefully with the various transport industry stakeholders. Without regulations and measurable standards, industry interests often take precedence, at the expense of the well-being of communities.

Recommendation 1: That the federal government develop standards to minimize the negative effects of noise and visual pollution for communities near ports, airports, railyards, etc.

“The other component is to ask ships to voluntarily consider local residents and to try to keep the volume down for the noise they generate and the number of lights they have on display. We’re finding that ships have to run generators 24-7, because that’s how they keep the oil circulating and power all their equipment, so there is actually not a lot that can be done. Some ships seem to comply more than others. I receive copies of complaint emails from communities across the country and it seems bizarre to me the way this situation is being managed. Someone has to write to the port of Vancouver and ask them to tell this ship to turn down their lights or try to mitigate the noise, and then they have to wait for a possible answer in a voluntary system. We think it should be regulated.”

- Chris Straw, Gabriolans Against Freighter Anchorages Society

Mr. Chris Straw told the Committee about the issues caused by an unproductive supply chain. Residential communities experience problems resulting from economic activity, such as noise and visual pollution, which do not seem likely to be resolved simply by the good faith of the stakeholders involved. The government should assume its responsibilities and defend the interests of Canadians. It should ensure that residential communities have a healthy environment and that the negative effects resulting from economic activity are regulated.

Further, New Democrats believe it is the government’s duty to encourage the energy transition within the transport industry. If it wants to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement, the federal government must put incentives in place to help the various industry partners.

Recommendation 2: That the federal government promote energy transition in the trucking industry by providing incentives.

“Groupe Robert set an excellent example by choosing natural gas for 150 of its trucks. The technology, however, isn’t quite mature, so the return on investment isn’t there yet. A natural gas-powered vehicle costs about $85,000 more. A company has to have substantial savings to make that kind of investment. For our part, we are at the mercy of manufacturers. All we can do is buy what they want to sell us, and right now, that’s diesel engines. However, the industry has made a real effort to reduce diesel use.”

- Jean-Marc Picard, Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association

When he appeared before the Committee, Mr. Jean-Marc Picard said that the goodwill of industry partners is not enough to ensure the energy transition in the transport industry. The government should position itself as a strong leader in tackling climate change rather than investing $4.5 billion in public funds to buy a pipeline.

In addition, the St. Lawrence Seaway was closed for a number of days this winter, which clearly demonstrates that the current icebreaking fleet is unable to fulfill its mandate. It is both an economic development issue and a safety issue.

Recommendation 3: That the federal government accelerate the procurement process for new icebreakers so that the issues encountered in the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes can be addressed quickly.

“Another element of the marine transportation system that is critical to several of Canada’s key corridors is the availability of icebreaking capacity to support safe and efficient transportation during our long and challenging winters, particularly on the northeast coast of Newfoundland, in the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes, and, of course, the Canadian Arctic. Despite its importance, the icebreaking fleet has shrunk significantly over the years and is currently made up of over-age vessels, which are very thinly spread over a vast expanse of water. Although the government has announced some measures to address this situation, including the acquisition of three used icebreakers, we need a concrete plan for renewing the fleet in the long term, which is essential if Canada is to have sufficient icebreaking capacity to meet future demand for safe and efficient marine transportation.”

- Michael Broad, Shipping Federation of Canada

Also with regard to the icebreakers, the NPD is seeking assurance that the government is addressing the fundamental requirements of our trade corridors.

Lastly, there is a severe labour shortage in the transportation industry, as in various other economic sectors. In its interim report, the Committee recommends only that a national policy be developed to address the labour shortage. Given that this is largely a male-dominated industry, the NDP believes the government has a role to play in making it easier for women to seek jobs in this industry.

Recommendation 4: That the federal government put in place a national policy to make it easier to integrate and recruit women in the freight transportation industry.

“A lot is being done to try to attract women and young people to the industry. This is all new for us. We aren’t turning anyone away. Our human resources council, in Nova Scotia, has some excellent programs to attract women to the industry. In our region, we are starting to see the numbers go up. I know efforts are being made nationally as well.    Our best drivers are 71-year-old males. That isn’t reasonable. We really need a major change in the efforts to recruit new blood.” - Jean-Marc Picard – Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association

Once again, Mr. Jean-Marc Picard gave the Committee an overview of the efforts the industry is making to adapt. Increasing the number of women could be an option to address the labour shortage the industry is facing. To open the door to having more women fill these positions, the government should implement a national policy to make it easier for them to access jobs in the industry.