Mr. Speaker, it has been encouraging to read recently that the Minister of Transport is prepared to make public some of the problems encountered by VIA Rail in attempting to make it a real business.
The recent revelation of VIA employees being paid for 28 days when only 12 days have been worked is one stark example of the baggage that train line carries. Other examples are the inability of VIA to question bills submitted, non-negotiation of track rates and schedules dictated by freight trains.
The time has come to use some common sense about VIA Rail.
Perhaps it should cost more for cars to use highways and it should cost less to use trains for people who leave their cars at home.
The government could promote a transportation policy that would help VIA Rail to survive and at the same time it could show how to preserve this railway service.