THUNDER BAY -- Bruce Hyer says the fate of Canada’s passenger rail system hangs in the balance.
The Green Party MP (Thunder Bay-Superior North) on Friday made an impassioned plea in the House of Commons supporting Bill C-640, which would apply a number of amendments to the Canada Transportation Act.
Among the changes in the bill, railway companies would be allowed to electrify the tracks of other railway companies, gives preference to passenger service over freight when conflicts arise and imposes monetary penalties for poor performance and delays.
In a release, Hyer says Via Rail is misunderstood, underfunded and without a powerful champion in Ottawa.
“Bill C-640 provides a mandate to our national Crown corporation that will ensure that passenger rail is modernized to meet the needs of a 21st century Canada. The government needs to get aboard now.”
Hyer has long advocated for the return of passenger-rail service to Thunder Bay.
The last train between the Lakehead and Toronto departed in January 1990.
“Just like other major nations, Canada needs a modern and effective passenger-rail service to reach its full economic, social and environmental potential,” said Hyer.
The bill had it second reading in December.
