Opening Remarks

I am quite thrilled to be here today to celebrate the official launch of Keewatin Railway. 

This “historic” agreement will be remembered for generations to come, because finally, after 13 years of dithering by the previous Liberal government, the new Conservative administration has delivered on the “Indian residential file,” and in a mere 100 days, no less.

Under the leadership of our PM (S. Harper), our caucus and government remain committed to uplifting the standard of living for Aboriginal people.    

One of the first acts of this Conservative government was a commitment to “ensure a better and safer water quality on reserves.”

And now today, this announcement is another fine example of how this Conservative government is dedicated to the empowerment and betterment of Aboriginal and Northern Communities across Canada.
Also, I am glad to report that for the first time in the history of the federal government, a press conference is the object of a webcast.

Launch of Keewatin Railway Company

At the outset, I must mention that the federal government, mainly through Transport Canada but also through Western Economic Diversification as well as Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, has been a major supporter of the initiative by the three First Nations, namely the War Lake First Nation, the Tataskweyak Cree Nation and the Mathias Colomb Indian Band, to acquire the Sherridon Subdivision rail line and to operate passenger and freight services.

Keewatin Railway is the second First Nations railway to be created with the financial support of the Government of Canada. 

The first one was Tshiuetin Rail Transportation, which started operating in December 2005 in eastern Canada.

Coincidentally, both Keewatin and Tshiuetin mean “northern” in their respective languages. 

As far as I know, Keewatin and Tshiuetin are the only First Nations railways in North America, and perhaps even in the entire world.  This is certainly something worth celebrating.

I applaud the three First Nations for their entrepreneurial spirit and for jumping on the opportunity to take on the responsibilities associated with the vital rail service between The Pas and Pukatawagan. 

I especially acknowledge the financial contribution made by the three First Nations.

The federal government also acknowledges the financial contribution by the Province of Manitoba towards the purchase of the Sherridon Subdivision. 

Moreover, I would like to commend VIA Rail and the Hudson Bay Railway for their support of this initiative.  

Federal Financial Contribution

The creation of Keewatin Railway will help build a stronger local economy and will enable new business opportunities that benefit the region.
In this context, the Government of Canada is glad to make a significant financial contribution to Keewatin Railway. 

At the present time, the Government of Canada has committed a total of up to $8.1 million to Keewatin,
o    with almost $5 million going towards the acquisition of the line and the remainder (i.e., up to $3.2 million) towards start-up costs and capital investments, including the acquisition of locomotives and infrastructure work on the Sherridon Subdivision in Summer 2006.

The Government of Canada is committed to working with the First Nations to make sure our investments achieve the best possible results.

Regional and Remote Passenger Rail Services Class Contribution Program

I would like to take a brief moment to describe the Regional and Remote Passenger Rail Services Class Contribution Program, which is the federal program under which funding is provided to Keewatin today.
The purpose of the Program is to ensure the continuation of safe, reliable, and sustainable regional and remote passenger rail services.

This program underscores Transport Canada’s commitment to maintain reasonable access to the national transportation system for rural and remote communities.

As you can appreciate, remote passenger rail services are essential lifelines for isolated communities as they are often their only means of surface transportation. 

These services not only carry passengers, but support economic activities in the lumber, mining, fishing and
recreation and tourism sectors.
Rail is also the most cost-effective way of ensuring that remote communities such as Pukatawagan have
access to the national transportation network.  Termination of these services would place the survival of remote communities like Pukatawagan in jeopardy.

Closing Remarks

In closing, I would like to reiterate that the (Conservative) Government of Canada remains committed to the continuation of passenger rail services in remote areas. 

We will continue to work in partnership with Keewatin Railway to ensure a smooth transition and continued quality passenger and freight rail services in the years ahead.

You will no doubt agree that the magnitude of funding that is being provided to Keewatin Railway by the
Government of Canada through Transport Canada clearly demonstrates our support of Keewatin’s undertakings.

Finally, I would like to thank all of those who participated in the creation of Keewatin and I would like to wish Keewatin Railway the best of luck in its future undertakings.