August 31, 2018
Statement from Premier Brian Pallister on an Agreement Being Reached for Churchill Rail Line
First and foremost, the conclusion of this transaction is extremely positive for all Manitobans and in particular for the people of Churchill and northern Manitoba. They have endured challenging circumstances for a very long time and we have stood with them.
We have consistently advocated that the federal government has a jurisdictional responsibility regarding the re-establishment of rail service and securing the future of the port for the benefit of Manitoba and the rest of Canada.
We fully recognize and applaud the federal government, particularly International Trade Diversification Minister Jim Carr, for their efforts to facilitate this transaction.
We look forward to working with the federal government and the new ownership group on an ongoing basis as we move forward with our Look North strategy over the months and years ahead.
We are hopeful the repair of the rail line can occur as soon as possible so that service can be resumed before freeze-up. However, we want to reassure the people of Churchill and the surrounding northern communities that we have already made the financial commitments and logistical arrangements necessary to ensure propane re-supply for the winter.
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