Greens will Improve Rail Safety and Create National Transportation Strategy
(THUNDER BAY) – Today at a press conference in Thunder Bay, Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and candidate (Saanich-Gulf Islands), and Bruce Hyer, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada and candidate (Thunder Bay-Superior North), discussed the importance of a national transportation strategy and how it affects Northernwestern Ontario residents.
Ms. May and Mr. Hyer highlighted the need for reliable rail service that reaches communities in Northwestern Ontario, including Thunder Bay.
“I am committed to bringing Via Rail back to Thunder Bay and maintaining service on the north line,” said Mr. Hyer. “We have not had a VIA Rail stop since 1990 and with the treacherous winter conditions here, rail is a reliable and safe option to travel to and from Thunder Bay.”
“Canada is the only country in the industrialized world that has no national transportation policy or strategy,” continued Mr. Hyer. “The government has failed to improve publicly owned passenger trains at a time when other nations are modernizing and expanding their systems.”
“It is vital that any modern country have an efficient and well-run passenger rail,” continued Ms. May. “The Green Party’s plan for National Transportation Strategy will provide Canadians with an affordable, efficient, and safe method of transportation. Investing in Canadian rail will stimulate economic growth through expanding rail infrastructure, creating jobs, and boosting tourism.”
Green MPs will:
- Pass legislation to create a national framework for VIA Rail, establishing its mandate by law;
- Re-invest in our national rail systems, build more train cars in Canada, increase train speeds, phase in high-speed rail where feasible, and create green transportation and energy infrastructure corridors in key regions;
- Develop a national transportation strategy – invest in local public transit and expanding VIA Rail to provide more modern, efficient, and frequent passenger rail service;
- Invest $600 million in VIA Rail in 2016-2017, building to $764 million by 2020;
- Rebalance the relationship between passenger trains and freight cargo with a comprehensive plan to limit the burden on our rail system that has been created by exporting unprocessed oil by rail;
- Strengthen Canada’s rail safety rules and give regulators the tools they need to protect our neighbourhoods from train derailments, especially those involving hazardous materials; and
- Fund the re-routing of tracks for freight and rail yards away from populated areas.
-30-
Additional Quotes:
“Thunder Bay and Rainy River need a VIA Rail expansion to establish a safe, reliable way to connect Northwestern Ontario communities.”
- Christy Radbourne, candidate Thunder Bay-Rainy River
For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
julian.morelli@greenparty.ca
Or
Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications
t: 613.562.4916 (200)
Toll Free 1.866.868.3447