The Hon. Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

Picking up Steam: Growing Canada’s Economy with Better Rail Transport

Presented by Driving Force

Canada’s economic success depends on strong trading relationships across the world. In order to grow the economy, we need to move more goods, faster and further than ever before. As half of Canada’s exports move by rail, a modern railway system is key to our future success. Despite the system functioning well overall, there are challenges and pressures that need to be addressed, including congestion, growth in commodities exceeding capacity, and increasing global pressure on every segment of the supply chain.

At this luncheon, Minister Garneau will present comprehensive changes to Canada’s freight rail network, and his long-term plan for a more transparent, growth-oriented, and efficient freight rail system that will meet the needs of Canadians and Canadian businesses.

The Honourable Marc Garneau

Minister of Transport
Chair, Cabinet Committee on Canada-United States Relations
Member of Parliament, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce–Westmount

Marc Garneau has served his country his entire professional career, beginning with the Canadian Navy and then as an astronaut and President of the Canadian Space Agency, and now in political life.

He began his service to Canada as a Navy combat systems engineer. In January 1986, he was promoted to Naval Captain and retired from the Navy in 1989.

Marc Garneau made history by becoming the first Canadian Astronaut to fly in space in October 1984.

In October 2008 he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Westmount—Ville-Marie and, in his first mandate, served as the Liberal critic for Industry, Science and Technology as well as the Leader’s representative for Québec. He was re-elected in Westmount—Ville-Marie in May 2011 and served as House Leader for the Liberal Party and Critic for Foreign Affairs. He was re-elected for a third time in 2015 in the district of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount. In November 4, 2015, he was named Minister of Transport.

In August 2003, Marc Garneau was made a Companion of the Order of Canada, Canada’s highest civilian honour.

Tickets:

Members: $79+GST
Table of 8: $632+GST

Non-Members: $99+GST
Table of 8: $792+GST