Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands)
2021-01-28 15:11 [p.3721]
Mr. Speaker, despite huge levels of effort from the government and billions of dollars spent, some sectors of our economy are still falling between the cracks.
The situation right now for the commercial bus lines, the coach bus sector, such as Wilson’s Transportation here on Vancouver Island or Maritime Bus in the maritime communities, is that this entire part of our transportation infrastructure is imminently at risk of going under. This is an integral part of our tourism sector, and it is integral in reducing greenhouse gases and serving remote first nations.
We have to have one of two things, either money has to be provided to the sector or the big banks have to back off. What can be done?
Hon. Omar Alghabra (Mississauga Centre)
2021-01-28 15:11 [p.3721]
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is right, the inner-city passenger bus service industry has been hit very hard by the pandemic.
As the member mentioned, our government has provided a lot of financial support for businesses that have been impacted by COVID. The member knows that the inner-city bus service is regulated by the province. I also acknowledge that it is important to our cities and provinces, therefore, we will continue to monitor the situation. I am happy to work with the member on ideas we can work together on.