Government of Canada Signals Action to Restore Rail Service to Churchill, Manitoba
News Release
September 1, 2017 Ottawa Natural Resources Canada
The Government of Canada recognizes the important role this rail line plays in connecting communities in northern Manitoba.
Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, signalled the Government’s actions toward restoring rail service to Churchill, Manitoba.
The Government of Canada’s top priorities are ensuring that goods and supplies are delivered to those who need them and restoring the Hudson Bay rail line to Churchill.
OmniTRAX Inc. has legal obligations to repair the rail line and its tracks. To this end, we have formally demanded that the Hudson Bay Railway Company repair the rail line in line with the terms of its 2008 contribution agreement with the Government of Canada, which requires the company to operate, maintain and repair the entire Hudson Bay Railway Line in a diligent and timely manner until March 31, 2029.
The Government is willing to look at all options, including exploring the possibility of working with a new owner toward the repair of the rail line. To this end, senior government officials are engaging to find a solution on rail track repairs, ensuring a continuation of rail service for Churchill and surrounding communities.
Quotes
“The Government shares the concerns of the citizens of Churchill and northern Manitoba, where the loss of the rail link has had significant impacts on businesses and families. We remain committed to the people of northern Manitoba and are currently exploring ways in which we can speed up the repairs of the rail line, while keeping in mind the immediate needs of the communities.”
Jim Carr
Minister of Natural Resources
Quick Facts
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The Government is looking at all options to ensure that contracts and obligations are respected and fulfilled, including enforcing its rights under its agreement to seek repayment of the $18.8 million contributed to the Hudson Bay Railway Line in 2008.
Contacts
Laurel Munroe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
343-292-6837
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
343-292-6100
NRCan.media_relations-media_relations.RNCan@canada.ca
Media Relations
Transport Canada
Ottawa
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca
John Harper
A/Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
204-990-6819
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