Mr. Speaker, Canada's economic and social development as a nation was and is based on the strong west-east link created by our national rail lines. New Canadians and goods travelled on these rails to bring prosperity to our young nation. Now this vital part of our heritage is being ripped from the ground forever.
In my riding of Wellington-Grey-Dufferin-Simcoe the NTA is to rule on CN's application for abandonment of the Collingwood to Barrie line. This subdivision could be saved if the premier of Ontario would grant an exemption to Bill 40 so that short line operators would purchase the line.
I implore the premier of Ontario to act now and grant an exemption to Bill 40 to save this important business and historic link.