Several topics, from help for small business owners to addressing climate change, came up for discussion at a Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce federal election candidates breakfast forum held Thursday, but the most timely was the Huron Central Rail line’s uncertain future.
Genesee & Wyoming Canada Inc. (GWCI), the parent company of Huron Central Railway Inc. (HCRY), which ships out Algoma Steel’s goods, announced Monday “we have made the difficult decision to cease service on the line in early 2020,” citing the need for approximately $40 million in capital investment funding from the federal and provincial governments over a five-year period to rehabilitate the line and safely sustain its operations.
Each candidate at Thursday’s forum, held at Quattro Hotel and Conference Centre, was asked by the Chamber what his/her party would do to help the line if elected Oct. 21.
“We would support investing money to have these railways across Canada kept for the future of Canada, to keep the lines open,” said Amy Zuccato, People’s Party of Canada candidate.
NDP candidate Sara McCleary said, “Our party is 100 per cent committed to supporting the rail system in northern Ontario. We know it’s very important for Algoma and Domtar to get their product to market, and it’s also important to keep those (extra) trucks off the road...we know the toll that would take on our roads, so we are committed to making those (rail) investments, working hard with all levels of government to make sure we get those investments here to support the railroad and the businesses that rely on it.”
Green Party candidate Geo McLean said, “The Green Party has a complete strategy for investing in both heavy rail and light rail uses, and it includes $600 million every year for four years...the amount of money needed for the Huron Central Railway, I can’t imagine that not being part of it, because it connects the Sault to the rest of the country.”
“Algoma Steel depends on it. Other industries depend on it and tourism (such as passenger rail service) could depend on it,” McLean said.
“This is a question that has been looming over Sault Ste. Marie for far too long. This is an issue that continues to come up and does not get resolved,” said Conservative candidate Sonny Spina.
“There are incredible opportunities for us (through the Huron Central line) and a very large number of partners that need to be consulted on this. As your MP I would continue those consultations and find a lasting resolution to this for all the partners and for the benefit of our community.”
Incumbent Liberal MP Terry Sheehan said, “I’ve been working with the local stakeholder group that’s been working with Huron Central executives...I’ll continue to work on this important piece of infrastructure with that group, we’ve had very good momentum.”
Joe Fratesi, former Sault mayor and CAO, in attendance at Thursday’s forum as a Huron Central stakeholder task force member, then arose and spoke, underscoring the Huron Central line’s importance to the Sault and asked each candidate to repeat their full support for the railway and what each would do to save the line if elected.
“We’re at the 11th and a half hour,” Fratesi said.
“HCR officials and our task force have been working with the politicians and bureaucrats with both the federal and provincial governments for almost two years, but despite promises and commitments from both, no such investments have yet been made that will allow HCR to continue on a long term basis,” Fratesi said.
“$600 million a year for four years is well within our budget (for rail). It’s one of our priorities and I can assure you it will be one of mine, particularly Huron Central Railway,” Green Party candidate McLean told Fratesi.
Sheehan replied, “If re-elected Oct. 21 we can get back to that table Oct. 22 and back working hard, we’re very close to a resolution."
Conservative candidate Spina said, “They (the rail line) had commitments four years ago from the federal government and nothing has happened. That won’t continue on my watch if I’m elected as your MP Oct. 21...I will work with you and every other stakeholder to find a resolution to it.”
New Democrat McCleary said, “I’m fully committed to working to get that funding at the table and making sure that nobody is negatively impacted.”
People’s Party candidate Zuccato said, “Lots of times governments make these decisions or they won’t invest because there’s no return on it, but there are basic needs that we have and as a small community this is one of them, so keeping these rail lines open is extremely important for all Canadians across the board.”
