Question Period Note: QUEBEC BRIDGE RESTORATION

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About

Reference number:
INFC-072020-INFC-0009
Date received:
Jan 31, 2020
Organization:
Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Name of Minister:
McKenna, Catherine (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

Issue/Question:

Update on the Quebec Bridge restoration.

Suggested Response:

  • The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of restoring the Quebec Bridge.

  • On August 23, 2019, Yvon Charest was appointed as a special negotiator in the Quebec Bridge file. The negotiator’s mandate is to recommend options to see the Quebec Bridge restored, in collaboration with stakeholders.

  • The negotiator will present his recommendations to the Federal Government for consideration in 2020.

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

Background:

  • In the 2015 federal election, the rehabilitation of the Quebec Bridge is a priority for the Liberal candidates in Quebec City ridings.

  • On January 4, 2018, Le Journal de Québec reported that negotiations were held between the federal Government and CN, and that the federal Government was preparing to take ownership of the Bridge. The article suggested that work on this project, which hit an impasse, might resume in 2018.

  • On August 28, 2018, Minister Champagne’s Mandate Letter states that “working with the Minister of Transport, the Canadian National Railway Company, and the Government of Québec on a contribution towards repainting the Pont de Québec” is one of his top priorities.

  • 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 restoration 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, the Journal de Québec reports that the negotiator confirms that all stakeholders, including CN, are collaborating towards resolving the Quebec Bridge file.

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.

  • The negotiator’s final recommendations will be submitted to the government for consideration in 2020.

Additional Information:

None