Mr. Speaker, owing to the impending sale of CP's operating assets between Sherbrooke and Saint John, there is no assurance of continued access for the Atlantic train. The member knows that VIA does not own tracks. It operates on running rights from CN and CP. Therefore with CP selling the assets there is no track available for VIA.
VIA will discontinue its Atlantic train over the CP route on December 17 and will increase train frequency to six round trips per week over the ocean route. VIA has done a first rate job in arranging for bus service between Saint John and Moncton to connect VIA passengers with the ocean service. This is the most economical way to provide connections within the VIA network.
In addition, the interline ticketing and tariff agreement VIA has made with SMT will provide for ease of ticketing and baggage handling. SMT will also be modifying schedules on its Fredericton to Newcastle route, providing a direct connection at Newcastle to the ocean for passengers from Fredericton.
It is evident that a connecting bus service is the less costly option by far. The annual cost of a dayliner service would be in the order of $1.2 million per year. The bus service is much less than that by half.
We have been asked why VIA's newly constructed station in Saint John will no longer be used. Perhaps the member should ask her former Conservative government. When the station was constructed CP was already negotiating the sale of the entire Sherbrooke to Saint John line. The member might want to respond on why her colleagues spent the money on the basis of speculation.
The commitment of Minister of Transport to Saint John and New Brunswick is unquestionable. His actions with respect to the CAA at Saint John, his action with respect to the port of Saint John and with respect to highways in Saint John and New Brunswick are sure testimony of the minister's commitment to good transportation systems in Saint John and New Brunswick.