Mr. Speaker, Canada needs a comprehensive railway strategy that ensures the country is well served into the future.
Railways make a positive contribution to our country's economic development. It is important to recognize that main lines and branch lines serving Canadian communities are essential to our economic infrastructure. Several thousand jobs depend on railway transportation, and many others could be created if the government adopts a proactive approach in that sector.
Recently CN indicated that it wishes to abandon yet another line servicing industry in Simcoe North as it has done in many areas of eastern Canada. Every short line closing represents lost jobs and lost potential.
On behalf of all Canadians I ask that the government lead the campaign to keep our important rail infrastructure intact.