Linked statement

“Via Rail cancelled a train route that people in my community need for work, school, and doctor visits. The government wants to spend billions on high-speed rail while cutting the trains we already use. I want the minister to order Via Rail to bring this commuter service back.”

“Madam Speaker, a few weeks ago, Via Rail announced that it is cancelling train route 641. Since the announcement, I have received countless emails, phone calls and messages. I have heard from students who cannot get to class, from patients who cannot get to their doctor’s appointments and from folks with jobs in Toronto who bought homes in our beautiful community with the hope of travelling to work on a commuter train. For some, this might just be another train route cancelled, but for my neighbours and friends it is an incredible disruption. The Liberals are ready to spend billions on a high-speed dream while at the same time cutting needed services to my community. I am calling on the minister to issue a directive to Via to reinstate a commuter train option for our community. It makes no sense to talk about high-speed dreams while at the same time cancelling trains my residents depend on. I urge the minister and Via Rail to listen to the voices of our constituents and act now to restore this critical service.”