Madam Speaker, I feel compelled to take part in this debate today and support the motion put forward by the hon. member for Roberval since my riding of Cochrane-Superior, like many other rural ridings across Canada, is experiencing the very same problems.
First of all, we have to remind CN that its primary mandate is to promote regional development by ensuring the operation of rail lines across the country so that remote areas in particular can develop economically and have access to urban communities in Canada.
I find it extremely unfortunate that CN has adopted such a policy over the last few years. We who live in rural areas of this country are beginning to feel abandoned. We are seeing our chances of becoming self-sufficient diminish.
Even though CN wants to abandon rail lines, the National Transportation Agency could intervene to save them, if only it to ensure the future development of our regions.
A few moments ago, I talked about people feeling isolated. Once rail is gone, what are you going to replace it with? Whether we use a bus, a truck or anything else, it will still cost money.
I repeat and maintain that CN has responsibilities to isolated areas and to its employees; it has a moral duty to ensure that all regions of the country have a chance to develop. Dismantling unprofitable branch lines is no way for CN to fulfil its mandate. Absolutely not.
I strongly disagree with what my colleague from Carleton-Gloucester was saying a while ago. At this stage I would like to make a very important digression.