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| back to previous page |
February 25, 2003 |
RAC Press Release |
| Transportation Blueprint Recognizes Rail’s Contribution - Re-regulation Remains A Threat, Says RAC | |
| The 57-member Railway Association of Canada today indicated its support for the overall direction of Canada’s transportation Blueprint which recognizes the strong, vital role railways play in the Canadian economy and their need for on-going investment. “However, the railway association’s members are very concerned about signs of re-regulatory measures being proposed. Our members are encouraged by the document’s assessment of the challenges facing transportation, the need for Canada to find multi-modal solutions to these problems and address public interest imperatives relating to climate change and other needs, said Bill Rowat, President and CEO of the RAC. Mr. Rowat indicated the Blueprint’s assessments are consistent with the earlier CTA Review Panel Report which concluded that the rail system is generally competitive and working well. “However, the signs of re-regulation coming out of the Blueprint document are inconsistent with its overall thrust,” he said. “Railways are the most capital intensive industry in North America,” said Mr. Rowat. “As a result, they need investment certainty, not threats of re-regulation.” Mr. Rowat said the industry’s 40-some short line railway members are relieved the Blueprint is not proposing regulated open access to their track and business by competitors. As well, the inter-city and commuter railways, which carry 60 million passengers annually, favourably note the Minister’s recognition that, if given the appropriate measures, they can carry more people, in more sustainable ways, with less cost to society. The CTA Review Report recommended further re-regulation of the grain handling and transportation system, but the Blueprint doesn’t address that opportunity, said Mr. Rowat. “At the same time, they are being asked to play a larger role in achieving public benefits, such as reduced road congestion, reduced pollution, reduced fuel consumption and less expensive infrastructure. They are also constrained by historical regulation in the grain transportation system. Going forward, mutual success will require a reasonable balance between policies and regulation that will allow rail to participate to its full potential,” he said. |
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Contact Information: Roger Cameron Railway Association of Canada 613.564.8097 rogerc@railcan.ca |
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| Railway
Association of Canada 99 Bank Street, Suite 901 Ottawa, ON K1P 6B9 Telephone: (613) 567-8591 Fax: (613) 567-6726 |
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Mr. Paul Goyette Director, Communications and Public Affairs Phone: (613) 564-8097 |
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