No. H021/04 For release April 30, 2004 OTTAWA - The Governments of Canada and Manitoba have developed a solution with the Hudson Bay Railway Company for the continuation of rail services between The Pas and Pukatawagan, Manitoba until the end of December 2004. Three local First Nation bands are currently investing funds in the rail line and plan to purchase it. The Government of Canada, the Government of Manitoba and the Hudson Bay Railway Company (a subsidiary of OmniTRAX), are investing funds to help the First Nations to continue the existing level of service. "Passenger rail service is very important to the communities served by this rail line," said Transport Minister Tony Valeri. "I am pleased that the Government of Canada, working in partnership with Manitoba, VIA Rail, the First Nations and the Hudson Bay Railway Company, has been able to keep the service running safely until a long-term solution can be put into place." Passenger rail is the only mode of surface transportation available to access the remote community of Pukatawagan, a First Nations reserve. The rail service is used by First Nations people in the area to support their traditional pursuits and local economic activity as well as to provide a lifeline for supplies to reach this remote region. "The cooperation of all levels of government was key to preserving important rail services to citizens in Northern Manitoba," said the Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "Working closely with my federal colleagues, we were able to find a way forward. Now the people of this area of the province have the opportunity for continued economic and community development. I am particularly pleased that my department was able to play a coordinating role with the partnership in facilitating this solution." "Working with First Nations to achieve better access to economic development opportunities is a priority for my department and the Government of Canada," said the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. ¿This type of public-private partnership illustrates what can be done when government, private industry and First Nations work together." "Manitoba is committed to working in partnership with the First Nations, federal government and our transport providers to ensure our northern communities continue to have access to transport infrastructure and services that support their economic growth needs and social well-being," said Manitoba Transportation and Government Services Minister Ron Lemieux, . "I am pleased that the partners in this initiative have achieved this success in working toward a sustainable solution to the transportation needs of the community of Pukatawagan and the region." Government of Canada officials will continue working with the province, VIA Rail, the First Nations and the Hudson Bay Railway Company to promote the long-term viability of rail service to this region. VIA Rail provides two passenger round trips per week between The Pas and Pukatawagan, and the Hudson Bay Railway Company operates a freight service once per week. -30- Contact: Christina Van Loon Office of the Minister, Ottawa (613) 991-0700 Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.
