Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you to all of our witnesses for joining us.
Mr. Péloquin, congratulations on your new role. I think you said in your intro remarks, “It is an honour to join Via Rail at such an extraordinary time.” The word “extraordinary” can have many meanings. I would offer that, to many people, it feels like a time of great uncertainty.
I know you can't speak directly to many aspects of HFR because there is now a separate Crown entity spearheading that project, so I want to direct my questions this evening to the rest of Via Rail service.
I'll preface it by saying just how much I appreciate the legacy of Via Rail and the service that your employees provide. I was on the train yesterday to visit my daughter and I interacted with your staff. They always do a very good job. They are skilled professionals. Their work is deeply appreciated.
The riding I represent shares its name with one of the most beautiful train trips in North America. That is the Skeena, between Jasper and Prince Rupert. Unfortunately, that rail route, which used to serve as a viable transportation service between communities, has really been reduced to a tourist amenity because of the lack of dependability and reliability of the schedule.
Recently in the news, you were quoted talking about the need for “putting rules in place prioritizing passenger rail trains.” I share that desire, because I think if we can increase the consistency and the reliability, more people are going to use the service. Would you like to see the present government bring forward legislation to achieve this?