RAC-Q0217

Investigative powers
Both the Canada Transportation Act review and our
annual report suggest that the Agency should have the
ability to initiate inquiries on its own motion on issues
that cut across a sector. Currently we can only look into
a matter if somebody files a complaint.
I understand that the industry is concerned about
how that tool could be used, but the Agency would only
use it on the basis of reasonable information. And if we
find issues, our first response would be to try to resolve
those issues collaboratively rather than through the
mechanism of orders.
General orders
The third tool would be our ability to make general
orders. In air consumer protection, without the ability
to make general orders we’re put in a position of
being able to only order a change related to a specific
situation—which can create an uneven playing field.
I assure you, all three tools would be used
very judiciously.
A key historical element of the Agency-industry
relationship is the common carrier obligation.
Do you see that changing?
I think the common carrier obligation will continue
to be a cornerstone of Canada’s national transportation
policy for many years to come. How it gets articulated,
Soulanges Railway Services
For storage of empty & loaded
railcars at Les Cèdres QC, off
the CN main line between the
Ontario border and Montreal.
srs@soulanges.net • (450) 452-0404
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