NDP statement on the anniversary of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy

The NDP Transport Critic, Robert Aubin (Trois-Rivières), has issued the following statement:

“It has been four years since the tragedy in Lac-Mégantic that claimed the lives of 47 people and despite the community’s resilience, the disaster continues to haunt local residents. According to the last survey published by the Eastern Townships public health department, 49% of Lac-Mégantic’s population still exhibit signs of post-traumatic stress. On the fourth anniversary of this tragic incident, on behalf of the NDP and our caucus, I would like to assure all those affected that our thoughts continue to be with them.

Unfortunately, despite successive governments and the many promises they made, nothing has changed. We all remember that during Justin Trudeau’s visit to Sherbrooke, he committed to expedite the process of creating a new rail bypass, the solution the community had been asking for. Sadly, Transport Minister Marc Garneau hasn’t been able to fulfill the Prime Minister’s promise. Moreover, the federal government has yet to set a deadline to speed up the process.

Moreover the Liberal government has failed to act with regards to the transport of hazardous materials. Even more disturbing to the NDP is the fact that the government does not have security measures requiring transporters and shippers to reduce the risks associated with the rail transportation of dangerous goods. In reality the Liberal government is maintaining the Conservative approach that consists of voluntary arrangements with rail companies. We believe the voluntary approach leads us nowhere and it is unacceptable that the Liberals have done nothing in the last two years.

Officials and local residents can count on the NDP. We will continue to fight to make sure the Liberal government keeps its promise and that the bypass is quickly built. Urgent action is required to make sure that this kind of disaster never happens again.”