Discussion · Oral Questions
Jean-Denis Garon Bloc Québécois
“The government has failed to meet our conditions for the high-speed train project, including consulting people and respecting landowners' rights. Farmers are protesting because testing is already happening on their land without their consent. I want the minister to come to Mirabel with me to answer their questions.”
“Mr. Speaker, this proves that the debate on high‑speed rail is not over; in fact, it has only just begun. We had set out four conditions: social licence, an independent financial assessment, no infringement of people’s rights in the event of expropriation, and genuine consultations. They have scored zero out of four. It is no wonder that farmers are protesting. Alto is already on their land, carrying out tests, and when the landowners say no, Alto wants to send in drones. I am offering to drive the minister to Mirabel so that he can come and answer their questions. He can even choose what music we listen to in the car. When do we leave?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, this proves that the debate on high‑speed rail is not over; in fact, it has only just begun. We had set out four conditions: social licence, an independent financial assessment, no infringement of people’s rights in the event of expropriation, and genuine consultations. They have scored zero out of four. It is no wonder that farmers are protesting. Alto is already on their land, carrying out tests, and when the landowners say no, Alto wants to send in drones. I am offering to drive the minister to Mirabel so that he can come and answer their questions. He can even choose what music we listen to in the car. When do we leave?