Question Period Note: QUEBEC BRIDGE RESTORATION

Update on the Quebec Bridge rehabilitation.

• The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the Quebec Bridge. INFC remains committed to finding a sustainable solution for the rehabilitation of the Bridge.

• INFC is currently examining the report submitted in June 2020 by the Negotiator appointed by the Government of Canada on this project.

• The Quebec Bridge remains safe for the daily movement of people and goods.

• On January 25, 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Quebec City and, as reported by the Journal de Québec, reiterated that the Québec Bridge remains a priority for his government. No firm commitments were made at that time.

• On August 23, 2019, the Federal Government appointed Yvon Charest as a special negotiator in the Québec Bridge file. The negotiator’s mandate is to recommend options to ensure the Bridge’s rehabilitation in the near term. Since his appointment, Mr. Charest has been negotiating with the Bridge’s current owner, the Canadian National Railway Company, and other stakeholders.

• On October 25, 2019, Le Journal de Québec reports that the negotiator confirms that all stakeholders, including CN, are collaborating towards resolving the Quebec Bridge file.

• On December 13, 2020, Minister McKenna’s Mandate Letter states that “working with the Minister of Transport, the Canadian National Railway Company and the Government of Québec to begin the rehabilitation of the Pont de Québec” is one of her top priorities.

• On January 13, 2020, Radio-Canada reports that the federal government is conducting an economic impact study on the importance of the Quebec Bridge as a rail and road link.

• On January 15, 2020, in an interview with Le Journal de Québec, Minister Duclos states that the commission of an economic impact study will not impede the Negotiator from continuing his negotiations with CN and other stakeholders.

• On July 15, 2020, Minister Duclos confirms to the Journal de Québec that a preliminary report was presented to the federal government in March and that the final version was presented in June to the Minister of INFC.

• On September 4, 2020, the Journal de Québec reports that it acquired Mr. Charest's report, submitted to the federal government in June 2020. The report recommends that the repatriation of the Quebec Bridge by Ottawa is the only "viable" option, as well as the implementation of a painting and maintenance program at a cost of $ 784 million over 25 years.

• On September 4, 2020, at a press conference, Jean-Yves Duclos reiterated that Ottawa's objectives are "to restore the Quebec Bridge, to make it sustainable and to upgrade it". Mr. Duclos restated that an agreement must first be reached between CN and Ottawa for the restoration to proceed.

• The details of the Negotiator’s report cannot be made public, as its premature publication has the potential to impact future discussions between Mr. Charest and stakeholders and could be detrimental to Canada’s economic interests.

CHRONOLOGY

• Built in 1917, the Quebec Bridge is a strategic and historical asset that connects Quebec City and Lévis. This infrastructure enables the movement of people and goods between the shores of the Saint Lawrence River (35,000 cars, 8 ViaRail passenger trains and 5 CN freight trains every day).

• In 1995, Canada transferred the ownership, management and responsibilities of the Bridge to the Canadian National Railway Company (CN). The Government of Quebec and CN have an agreement regarding the usage, maintenance and repair of the bridge, including the road deck.

• The presence of corrosion on the bridge structure has been an area of concern for the local population for a number of years. Area residents have pressured the Government of Canada to repaint the Bridge.

• Since 1997, the Government of Canada made numerous attempts to reach an agreement with CN for paint work on the Bridge. In 2018, the restoration of the Quebec Bridge, including its painting, became a priority for the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. Ongoing discussions took place between CN, the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada.

• The estimated cost and duration of the work, along with the division of responsibilities between the parties, are the main stumbling blocks.

• As a private entity, CN invests the minimum amounts necessary to maintain and ensure the safety of the Bridge. CN has no obligation to ensure that the Bridge remains in service, to paint it, or to rebuild it.

• On August 23, 2019, the Government of Canada appointed Yvon Charest as a special negotiator. His mandate is to recommend options regarding the future of the Bridge ranging from a transfer of ownership with adequate compensation, a legislative approach, or any other option that would ensure the long-term viability of the Bridge, including its painting.

• Infrastructure Canada supports Mr. Charest in his discussions with the current owner of the Bridge – CN – and other stakeholders.

• On January 15, 2020, David Taylor, from INFC’s Minister’s Office, informed Le Journal de Québec that the Negotiator will submit his final recommendations to the government for consideration during the first quarter of 2020.

• On March 3, 2020, the Negotiator presented his Preliminary Report to the Minister of INFC and to the Minister of Finance. The report outlined the Negotiator’s activities to date, the options being considered and his preliminary findings.

• On June 28, 2020, the Negotiator presented his Recommendation and Cost Estimates Report to the Ministers of INFC and Finance. The report identifies various options for the rehabilitation of the Bridge, including a recommended approach, as well as the establishment of two conditions for the transfer to occur.

• On September 6, 2020, Minister McKenna responded to a media call saying that the Quebec Bridge file is a priority for the Government of Canada and that the report is currently being analyzed. It was reiterated that Minister McKenna and Mr. Charest share the goal of ensuring that the Quebec Bridge meet the long-term needs of the region.

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