Glenn Thibeault M.P. for Sudbury

SUDBURY – With massive regional and community support for Huron Central Railway, Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault continues to push the federal government to fund the short-line railway before it is too late.

At Thursday’s meeting, the short-rail line committee made it clear that the Ontario government plans on funding the HCR. It was also revealed to attendees who included New Democrat MPs Tony Martin (Sault Ste. Marie) and Carol Hughes (Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing) that the railway could cease operations by the end of the summer without a commitment of funds from the federal government in the next four to six weeks.

“It is great news that Queen’s Park has agreed to fund the Huron Central Railway. Considering all the support gathered from the municipalities and local stakeholders, Ottawa needs to take this opportunity and get on-board,” Thibeault said. “I will continue to lobby Minister Baird to offer federal support to the HCR. The Government needs to act now to save this vital regional transport link.”

“The infrastructure funding work must be done by the March 2011 deadline so the materials need to be ordered soon. Huron Central’s one-year operational agreement expires in August and they along with the industries have to know one way or the other ” added Martin.

The NDP and other stakeholders successfully pressed FedNor, along with its provincial counterpart, to fund $3 million for track improvement last year. New Democrats have also enlisted support from Transport Action Canada and Railway Association of Canadian national rail groups.

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For further information, please contact:

Brian Band, Office of Glenn Thibeault
705-673-7107 or thibeg1a@parl.gc.ca

THIBEAULT STILL PRESSING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR HCR FUNDING AS DEADLINE LOOMS

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