19 October 2019 – Cape Breton Post

Thank you to the Scotia Rail Development Society (SRDS) and specially to Jim Guy and Mary MacPherson, for bringing the issue of rail to the forefront in this election (“An open letter about rail in Cape Breton”, Cape Breton Post, October 15)

Firstly, we want to commend our island for the service and volunteerism we see in our two ridings, as groups such as these take on the role of advocacy and service to our communities. 

19 October 2019 – Cape Breton Post

I would like to applaud and strongly support the case put forward by the Scotia Rail Development Society on the need to restore the Cape Breton rail line (Cape Breton Post, Oct. 15). 

18 October 2019 – Cape Breton Post

One key underpinning for economic development is infrastructure, plain and simple. There has to be an affordable, environmentally-acceptable way to move goods to and from Cape Breton to the mainland. 

The potential for restoration of rail freight service to Cape Breton Island remains strong – and the Government of Canada has an obligation to shoulder its share of responsibility.  Nearly five years after the last freight train ran over the 96-mile section of the former CN Sydney Subdivision, the Province of Nova Scotia continues to pay the current owner of the line, US-based Genesee and Wyoming Corporation, a monthly allowance of up to $60,000. This covers such expenses as salaries, insurance, security and building maintenance directly attributed to the line between St. Peter’s Junction and Sydney, in return for which G&W will not apply to remove the track.