Question Period Note: Construction of the Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass

The Government of Canada needs to acquire 124 parcels of property from 44 owners for the construction of the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass. These parcels are located in Frontenac, Nantes, and the municipality of Lac-Mégantic.

On June 14, 2023, the expropriation to acquire the parcels of land needed for the project was approved.

Public Services and Procurement Canada is collaborating and communicating regularly with Transport Canada in order to move quickly on this file while ensuring a fair acquisition process for property owners.

• In consultation with my colleague the Minister of Transport and after considering the report by hearing officer Julie Banville, I approved the expropriation of the parcels of land needed for the project
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada has informed the affected property owners of the expropriation and the fact that the Government of Canada will take possession of the land on August 1, 2023
  • Our government is committed to action and is proceeding with an open, transparent and equitable process to acquire the properties needed to build the rail bypass

If pressed:

• Before initiating the expropriation process, the Government of Canada attempted to reach an agreement with all affected property owners
• The property owners will receive offers of compensation for their expropriated property by August 1, 2023
• The government remains committed to supporting those affected throughout the expropriation process

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