Mr. Speaker, one year ago today the people of Saskatchewan defeated all but one of their Liberal MPs. It is not hard to see why.
One by one the Liberals have let the cornerstones of rural life in Saskatchewan slip away; no more crow benefit, no more post offices, fewer bank branches and abandoned rail lines.
When CN built its rail lines in Saskatchewan it received land, minerals and money in return for providing a public service for farmers. Now it has sold off the minerals, hived off the land to a separate company, taken the money and run.
CN wants to shut down the Imperial subdivision in Saskatchewan. The process set up by the Liberals allows it to shut down this branch line within 30 days of announcement then call a public meeting before that 30 day period expires.
CN will hold its public meeting tomorrow in Imperial, Saskatchewan and I will be there fighting to keep rail service for our farmers.
What we need from the Liberals is a commitment to farmers. I call on the member for Wascana to join me at that meeting and to join me in calling on CN to place a standstill on further rail line abandonments until Justice Estey has handed—