Working toward Maintaining Rail Service

The Nova Scotia government will continue to work towards a lasting solution to maintain rail service to Cape Breton, Premier John Hamm said today, Nov. 6, in a statement to the legislature.

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the Utilities and Review Board approved an application by Rail America to abandon commercial rail service between Point Tupper and Sydney by April 2003. The provincial government opposed the application in a submission made earlier this year.

"Our government, led by Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke, has spoken out against any withdrawal of commercial rail service on Cape Breton Island. We have worked hard with Emera, Canadian National, Rail America and others to drum up new business to ensure the rail line has a future that makes sense," said Premier Hamm. "Our team will continue to work with all business and community stakeholders to find a lasting, private- sector solution to this issue."

Mr. Clarke has led an interdepartmental team of senior officials from Economic Development, Transportation and Public Works and Justice to examine all potential options to bring about a private-sector solution. He will meet with stakeholders later this week.

"Rail infrastructure is far too important an economic asset," concluded the premier. "That's why we will continue to work so hard over the next five months to ensure that all private-sector options are fully explored."