Thank you, Minister.
First, as a former VIA Rail employee, I would like to thank you for the good news you announced on Monday.
The Government of Canada is continuing the implementation of its successful long-term plan that prioritizes travellers by replacing its fleet for the Quebec-Windsor corridor. Our railway transportation network is booming. In 2016, VIA Rail experienced a 4.1% increase in ridership, and a 9.5% increase in passenger revenues compared with 2015.
Do you think the request of $134.5 million will help maintain that growth? Could you elaborate on how that money will be used?