Mr. Speaker, on January 24, 2014, the Province of New Brunswick and CN announced a total investment of $55 million to upgrade the tracks between Campbellton and Moncton. The federal Conservative government was notably absent.
At the same press conference, it was also announced that the line between Miramichi and Bathurst would be eliminated, which is nothing to celebrate. To save passenger rail service in eastern New Brunswick and Quebec, VIA Rail and the government need to invest $10 million.
VIA Rail says it does not have the money and is considering using CN tracks in the western part of the province. According to CBC, this option would cost $50 million for the purchase of new land and to build new stations, and 50% of passengers would be lost.
The government says its hands are tied, since VIA Rail is a crown corporation, even though it has invested in VIA in the past. What is $10 million to maintain train service from coast to coast?
I encourage everyone to sign the petition I have launched to maintain the rail line between Miramichi and Bathurst.