Philippe Couillard calls for expert panel on Lac-Mgantic

The leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, Philippe Couillard, has proposed the creation of anexpert panelwith representativesofall levels of government toaddress thefuture of Lac-Mgantic and rail transport in Quebec.

"Webelieve thefederal governmenthas a partin providing finances, participating inthe reconstruction efforts and also inrail transport," said Couillard at a news conference in Lac-Mgantic today.

The Liberal leader called on Quebecto work with the federal governmentin order toreopen the area's rail transportation network as soon as possiblein the coming monthsto preventan "economic tragedy" for businesses in the region.

Couillardsaid the provincehas a key role to play in moving dangerous materials safely, because themajority of goodsare transported by road.

"The government of Quebec has jurisdiction over road transport, so it has a major responsibility and jurisdiction surroundingthe regulation of hazardous materials," said Couillard.

This is Couillard's third visit to Lac-Mgnatic since the disaster.He was first in the townJuly 9, three days after the trainderailmentthatcaused the death of47 people.