Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise on behalf of some constituents from Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, in the communities of Little Rapids, Serpent River, and Thessalon, and other individuals from Sault Ste. Marie, Hamilton, and Sudbury.
The petitioners call upon the government to reinstate the modest subsidy that supported this important piece of infrastructure for this part of northern Ontario.
They remind the government that 75% of the landowners along the line relied on passenger rail to reach their properties and that any roads the government claims can be used are industrial roads that are not maintained or monitored since they are not intended for public use.
In addition, they remind the government of the positive effect passenger services had on the Algoma economy and how its absence has create significant difficulties for the businesses up and down the line. They point out that the service was important to first nations accessing traditional land and that the failure to consult the first nations before cancelling the subsidy infringed on the right to consultation.
They add that the passenger train has been the only safe, affordable, all-season access into the Algoma wilderness for the last 100 years.