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June 27th, 2012

Cuts to Via Rail on the wrong track

Conservative cuts will reduce train service and hurt local communities

OTTAWA – The cuts announced today to VIA Rail will significantly reduce passenger rail service and undercut the economic stability of regional communities.

“The Conservatives are gutting a service that many Canadians rely on,” said Olivia Chow (Trinity—Spadina), NDP Critic for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Canadians travelling for business, school or recreation rely on VIA Rail to provide efficient, affordable and accessible services. It’s shameful that Conservatives are cutting services so recklessly.”

The Conservatives’ cuts will see 200 people thrown out of work and the number of trains across the country drastically reduced. From coast to coast, VIA Rail’s important role as a national passenger rail service provider will be undermined.

Deputy Transport critic, Robert Aubin (Trois-Rivières), echoed these concerns. “Reducing train service will deprive Canadians of safe and affordable travel options. The Conservatives are showing yet again that they do not have the best interests of Canadians at heart.”

“These cuts will disproportionately affect Canadians in the Maritimes,” added NDP MP for Acadie—Bathurst, Yvon Godin. “VIA Rail provides a vital service and these routes have allowed our local communities to grow and prosper – these cuts will hurt our region.”