Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Transport has announced he will implement the $100 million cut in VIA Rail's operating budget proposed by the previous Conservative government. This cutback will cause a reduction in services to remote areas, possibly including the Jonquière-Montreal line.
This service, which connects my region to Quebec's major economic centres, is vital to the development and quality of life of the region.
In my opinion, the government should abide by the policy drafted by the Liberal Caucus in November 1989 and declare a one-year moratorium on any decision affecting VIA Rail, in order to allow for public hearings.
However, the minister has refused to consider public consultations. It is another indication that when they were in the opposition, the Liberals were far better-intentioned than they are now as the governing party.