The future of VIA Rail passenger train service is threatened now that the Harper government has voted against our NDP Caucus Bill to protect vital rail links and their funding.
The Harper government continues to cripple our rail service despite the fact that passenger trains foster important economic ties, especially outside core areas,
In our region rail service is important communities like Churchill, Gilliam, Fox Lake, War Lake/Ilford, Pikwitonei, Thompson, Thicket Portage, Wabowden, Flin Flon and Pukatawagan.
Around the world, governments have realized having consistent and reliable passenger rail service is important.
Bill C-640 would have protected VIA Rail
funding and made it
possible to set a minimum level of service
for Canadians.
In recent years, service has suffered cutbacks. Our caucus is not giving up and will continue to fight for the protection of passenger rail service across the country.
I believe we have the means to provide reliable, sustainable train service throughout the country. We need to protect this service, which is vital to our economy, to communities and to the environment.
