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High Speed Rail Canada Press Release Supports VIA Rail Act Bill C-640

High Speed Rail Canada officially announced support for MP Philip Toone's introduction of Bill C-640, An Act respecting Via Rail Canada and making consequential amendments to the Canada Transportation Act into the House of Commons.
WireService.ca Press Release (02/16/2015) Cambridge, ON, - High Speed Rail Canada is Canada's only national advocacy group promoting the introduction of high speed rail since 2008.
Philip Toone, New Democrat MP for Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, on February 20th is introducing into the House of Commons Bill C-640 a Private Member's Bill C-640, An Act respecting Via Rail Canada and making consequential amendments to the Canada Transportation Act.
According to Mr Toone, the bill will:
  • Increase VIA Rail's efficiency by granting passenger trains priority over freight trains.
  • Give Canadians access to reliable passenger service by requiring VIA Rail to seek approval from Parliament before eliminating service routes.
  • Help VIA Rail realize its potential as an economic engine by fostering partnerships with municipalities and the tourism industry.
  • This bill would also establish a clear mandate for VIA Rail and clarify its role in providing national public rail services that are safe, adequate and efficient.

High Speed Rail Canada Founder Paul Langan states, " The lack of legislation to protect, promote and enhance VIA Rail is the fundamental reason that VIA is not a viable option for most Canadians. We strongly support the introduction, passing and implementation of Bill C-640."
High Speed Rail Canada has posted Bill C-640 and previous unsuccessful Bills on it's Google Drive site.
Visit the High Speed Rail Canada website for more information on the organization and their mandate. Keep in touch with them via Twitter - @HSRCanada. Contact Paul Langan 519-654-0089

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