Thank, you Mr. Chair.
This morning a motion was moved and we all had the chance to read it. I would like to talk about it for just a few minutes.
Last spring, I had an inkling of this when I read a VIA Rail press release about the modernization of VIA Rail services. A warning bell went off about modernization and re-engineering. Usually, in my experience, this has never met with great success.
Nevertheless, I thought I had to give the benefit of the doubt because the press release seemed very clear. It announced that there would be service reductions. At the same time, it announced enhancements to VIA Rail services and that, on some lines, for example, there could be more flexibility in scheduling and a larger number of departures and arrivals.
Since then, we have seen that the modernization of VIA Rail services seems to be centred on cutting services, connections and, now, lines, with absolutely catastrophic economic consequences for certain regions in eastern Quebec, and also for the line that links New Brunswick, among others.
I admit that I have difficulty understanding the rationale of modernization. I am not being sarcastic. I can only believe that they are making cuts. For that reason, and with this motion, it would be interesting to talk to VIA Rail representatives about their views on the development of passenger rail service in the next few years as a driving force for economic development in Canadian regions.
As we all know, this country was built around the railway and I do not believe that the time has come, especially in light of major environmental concerns, to drop rail service. However, there are fears about passenger services.
That is the thrust of the motion. We would like to conduct a short study, meet with officials and discuss with them their vision for the future of VIA Rail services.