Statement from Keith Brooks, Programs Director

Toronto | Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – We welcome the federal government’s $6.6 billion investment in VIA Rail and its plan to bring rail car manufacturing back to Canada. This is good news for travellers, for workers, and for the climate. Passenger rail can help reduce transportation emissions in Canada and provides a reliable way for Canadians to travel across the country.

We’re glad the federal government understands the value of investing in transit and transportation. But if Ottawa is serious about climate and public transportation, it needs to give this same energy and support to dedicated public transit funding for cities, a credible plan for high-speed rail, and strong tailpipe emissions standards. Investing in passenger rail is a great start. Now let’s see the rest of this government’s transportation plan.

ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Lauren Thomas, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca