Mr. Speaker, I rise today on Bill S-7, an act to dissolve the Nipissing and James Bay Railway Company. This bill originated in the Senate and passed all stages of debate in one day.
Therefore I will be seeking unanimous consent of the House to pass Bill S-7. However, I would like to take a brief moment to explain the bill for those who are unfamiliar with it.
Nipissing and James Bay Railway Company was incorporated in 1884 under chapter 80 of the Statutes of Canada. It acquired land to build a railway. However, despite numerous extensions no railway was ever constructed. The last extension expired in 1908 but the company was never formally dissolved. The company failed to file any returns to the federal government, despite numerous requests, and relinquished all responsibility for the property.
No minutes of meetings remain regarding the business of the company and no stockholders could be located. Eventually the province built another railway which follows an almost identical route.
Bill S-7 was initiated by Senator Kelleher at the request of the Corporation of the City of North Bay in my riding of Nipissing. City council unanimously passed a resolution asking that the Nipissing and James Bay Railway Company be dissolved. The reason for requesting this is that this company holds title to approximately 4,000 square feet of land within the city limits. By
dissolving the company the land reverts to the crown whereupon the city can attempt to acquire it for its own uses.
I should note there was no public opposition to this action by residents of the city of North Bay. It remains that this House must dissolve the 112 year old act which created the Nipissing and James Bay Railway Company so that this small piece of land can be returned to the crown.