Mr. Speaker, rail service, both passenger and freight, has played an important historical role in Canada. It is an integral part of our transportation system.
Most industrialized countries have modern, efficient rail systems. In Canada we appear to be closing them down. Instead we should be modernizing them with new technologies to make them efficient and effective for the future benefit of our transportation system.
Effective and efficient rail systems are most important to the future transportation needs of all Canadians. We must review all opportunities for the future advancement of our rail systems instead of closing rail lines and losing them forever.
This is an important issue in my Carleton-Charlotte constituency and indeed in all of Canada.