441-02239 (Transportation)

WHEREAS:

• Public transportation is a serious impediment for thousands of residents living along the 516 km Lower Mainland/Fraser Canyon/Northern British Columbia corridor;

• With the cessation of passenger rail service serving communities between North Vancouver to Prince George in 2002, not only is direct access to medical care, social opportunities in major centers and family visits not possible, but tourism has declined by 82%. By reinstating the passenger rail service, this magnificent attractive landscape would be open to thousands of visitors each year; and

• The rail lines have been maintained and would not only help grow local economies and jobs but contribute to major climate change initiatives by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle traffic.

THEREFORE:

We, the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Tourism, along with the Minister of Transport to re-establish passenger rail service to Lillooet, B.C.