If our new federal transportation minister Lisa Raitt is at all well informed, she would be well advised not to press for a new contract between Via Rail and ICF (E&N Railway).
With the poor condition of the tracks and trestles being well documented, VIA Rail’s culpability in the event of an accident involving injuries or property damage would be undeniable. Running passenger or freight on this line without proper restoration would be tantamount to reckless endangerment.
So really, the question for taxpayers is: do you support spending over $100 million to restore the E&N Railway and then further agreeing to large annual subsidies?
Jim Bergot
Qualicum Beach