Tony rides the rails. With really important people

NEWS RELEASE

TONY MARTIN, MP

************************* Martin rides with MP rail caucus to support Sault railways

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – Investment in northern rail lines including Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst and Sudbury builds Canada, MP Tony Martin told senior industry officials aboard a MP rail caucus trip from Ottawa to Toronto Thursday.

“I joined this rail caucus to lobby on behalf of rail transportation in and out of Sault Ste. Marie,” Martin said. “It is particularly relevant concerning the economic development focus with multi-modal opportunities. It was clear last night that the industry wants to invest in short line rail upgrade and development and is looking for partnership with the two senior levels of government.

“They recognize the need for investment in the lines going north to Hearst and east to Sudbury. I had the chance to explain the importance of these two corridors from both a freight and passenger perspective. Our newly revitalized Algoma Steel and St. Mary’s Paper will benefit from alternatives for transportation.

“The politicians present expressed a real commitment to rail as a critical transportation link. The federal government has committed money to short rail development in its Build Canada Fund. There is a need for the province to do the same.”

The rail caucus trip gave Martin the opportunity to chat with Robert Taylor, CP Rail’s director, federal government affairs, and Jean Patenaude, CN Rail’s assistant general counsel.

Eight MPs made the trip, with Martin being the only MP from Northern Ontario.

Last year, Martin joined the Coalition for Algoma Passenger Train trip from Sault Ste. Marie through Northern Ontario to Toronto and Ottawa highlighting the economic engine railways can once again be in the country.

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