No. H146/06For release
November 15, 2006
SEPT-ÎLES, QUEBEC − The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that the Government of Canada
will provide up to $8 million to Tshiuetin Rail Transportation, to continue
passenger rail service between Sept-Îles and Schefferville, Quebec, through
Emeril, Newfoundland and Labrador, until December 31, 2007.
Minister Cannon congratulated Alexandre McKenzie, President of Tshiuetin Rail
Transportation on the recent completion of Tshiuetin's new diesel locomotive
repair shop and extensive improvements to the train station in Schefferville.
These projects, worth $3.5 million, were funded by the Government of Canada.
"Tshiuetin Rail Transportation was the first amongst First Nations companies to
own and operate a railway in Canada," said Minister Cannon. "Our government is
proud to continue its support for this essential service for people living and
travelling to and from these remote communities. This funding will permit
Tshiuetin Rail Transportation to continue to provide a safe, efficient and high
standard of service to all clients."
Tshiuetin Rail Transportation is jointly owned by the communities of Matimekush/Lac-John
and Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, and the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach. Tshiuetin
acquired the Menihek subdivision from the Quebec North Shore and Labrador
Railway in December 2005, through an asset purchase agreement with the Iron Ore
Company of Canada.
"It is important to Canada's New Government that the people of Northern Quebec
and surrounding areas have reliable rail services," added Minister Cannon.
"These rail services provide an essential lifeline for people in remote
communities. They also support economic activities in the mining, recreation and
tourism sectors."
Passenger rail service is the only surface transportation mode available to
Schefferville and is used by First Nations people in the area to travel to their
traditional hunting, fishing and trapping territories on a year-round basis.
"We are very proud and happy to be the new owner and operator of the Menihek
subdivision," said Mr. McKenzie. "We feel this railway will be an important tool
of social and economic development for our communities. Our people are working
and developing their skills as we speak. A new pride has come upon us."
Federal funding comes from the Regional and Remote Passenger Rail Services
Contribution Program administered by Transport Canada. The program ensures that
safe, reliable and sustainable passenger rail services are provided to regional
and remote areas of the country.
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Contact:
Natalie Sarafian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Cathy Cossaboom
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Richard J. Bell
General Manager
Tshiuetin Rail Transportation Inc.,
Sept-Îles
418-960-0982
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at
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