Mr. Chair, regional routes are central to Via Rail's mandate. This year, according to the estimates tabled, the federal government will provide $383 million, which includes funding for regional passenger rail service.
In my region, the Gaspé Peninsula, rail service was halted in 2013 because the line was in such poor condition. In a few weeks, however, the rail line will be completely restored and safe between Matapédia and Port-Daniel.
Nearly 20,000 Gaspé Peninsula residents have signed a petition calling for rail service to resume. A motion adopted unanimously in the Quebec National Assembly calls for passenger rail service to be restored on the Gaspé Peninsula. This week, the Gaspé RCM wardens' table adopted a resolution asking for the same thing. In short, people want the train on the Gaspé Peninsula as soon as possible.
Does the minister agree with me that Via Rail must restore passenger rail service to Port-Daniel as soon as the line is operational?