Latest news with #passengerrail
CBC
23-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
MP wants passenger rail in B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky region as CN Rail pulls out
The MP representing B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky region wants to see passenger rail introduced in the booming region north of Vancouver, just weeks after CN Rail said it intends to discontinue its operations in the area. CN Rail is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a portion of B.C.'s rail network between Squamish and Exeter, just northwest of 100 Mile House. On July 11, the national rail operator said it provided notice of its intent to discontinue those operations, potentially opening the door for another operator of the railway line that is ultimately governed by the province. While the announcement potentially jeopardizes an existing long-haul passenger service, the local MP and two mayors say it opens the door for commuter service in a rapidly-growing region and the option to ensure its resiliency going forward. "I would say that Highway 99 is very much at capacity. We're seeing major congestion. We're seeing frequent, often fatal crashes in the area," said West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler. "And it's having a major impact on the communities — not just in the Sea-to-Sky, but actually all the way down to creating congestion into Metro Vancouver. So ... there is a major need for alternative transportation options." Weiler said the Sea-to-Sky region, which has been seeing an influx of residents ever since Highway 99 was expanded for the 2010 Olympics, has had its population grow by 60 per cent since then. He said the region had regular passenger rail until 23 years ago, when provincial Crown corporation B.C. Rail ended operations. A year later, the then-B.C. Liberal government leased much of the province's operations to CN Rail. Weiler said that the time was ripe for passenger rail in the area, given the existing infrastructure and the growth in the Sea-to-Sky region. "That would have a huge impact — whether that's people commuting, tourists being able to visit, and otherwise," he told Amy Bell, guest host of CBC's On The Coast. "And with this news of CN deciding that they want to discontinue the operations, it gives a year for people to come forward with ideas on how to do that." Weiler noted that adding more transit to the Sea-to-Sky corridor was part of a list of priorities when the governing B.C. NDP and the B.C. Greens signed a co-operation agreement last December. "The region's been studied to death about what exactly needs to be done," the Liberal MP said. "We just really need to see some action right now." A spokesperson for B.C.'s Transportation Ministry said it would review CN's decision before considering its options. Long-haul service could be in jeopardy One passenger rail service already exists in the Sea-to-Sky area, but not on a commuter route. The Rocky Mountaineer operates a luxury long-haul rail service called the Rainforest to Gold Rush route from North Vancouver to Whistler and further on to Quesnel, B.C., and then Jasper, Alta. A spokesperson for the company said it was aware of CN's decision to eventually discontinue its operations in the Sea-to-Sky region. "CN is responsible for maintaining the rail infrastructure along this route, including the rail, ties, bridges, and vegetation control," they wrote. "Without CN's management of the rail line, we would be unable to travel on the route." The spokesperson added that the company was reviewing its long-term options along the route, but the 2026 season of the long-haul train service would proceed as planned. Mayors want conversations to happen Jack Crompton, the mayor of Whistler, said that the loss of the Rocky Mountaineer would constitute a loss of a "tremendous tourism partner" for the resort municipality. He said, however, that CN's decision to pull out of the corridor represented a big opportunity for the Sea-to-Sky region and that Whistler was paying close attention to what would happen next. "Recreation is important, but for us, commuting and ground transportation is number one as it relates to this decision," he said. Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford noted that the district has a major history of railway travel, with the Railway Museum of B.C. located there. He said that it was important to ensure continued rail access to Squamish's port, which served as a critical route to transport cargo during the 2021 floods in southwest B.C. "I think it's really important that we maintain operational status there, because this line does run through some incredibly challenging terrain," he said. "And if the maintenance drops off, I think the fear is that it just will become cost prohibitive to reinitiate the service." WATCH | CN Rail looks to pull out of B.C. region: CN Rail to end operations from Squamish to 100 Mile House, B.C. 8 hours ago A major railway has announced plans to end part of its operations by discontinuing its route north from Squamish till 100 Mile House. As CBC's Amelia John reports, there are now questions and concerns about the future of the tracks in B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky region.
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Plans roll forward to get Northlander passenger train back on the tracks
Ontario Progressive Conservatives are pledging to improve road and rail transportation in northern Ontario, including investing $75 million to restore the Northlander passenger rail service between Toronto and Timmins, Ont. (File) Plans are moving forward to get the Northlander passenger train back on the tracks. On Friday, the Ontario government revealed it had awarded three contracts to design and manufacture nine station shelters, rail safety and warning system upgrades. 'The return of the Northlander will ensure access to essential services like health care and education while supporting economic prosperity and tourism across the region,' stated Jill Dunlop, Simcoe North MPP. Enseicom Inc. will design and manufacture the station shelters in Matheson, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Temagami, South River, Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Washago over the next two years. Each shelter will be equipped with seating, lighting, and heating. 'The shelters will be safe, comfortable and accessible, providing a consistent, modern passenger experience for customers boarding and exiting the train all along the route,' noted Chad Evans, Ontario Northland's chief executive officer. Remcan Ltd. will be responsible for track upgrades that go beyond improving rail safety. The province says these upgrades will also reduce maintenance needs and decrease the risk of derailments. Warning system upgrades along the Northlander corridor will be completed by X-Rail. 'These upgraded amenities will contribute to providing safe, accessible transportation options to residents and visitors while helping support the growth and development of our local economy through improved access to tourism and job opportunities,' said Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney. Construction is slated to start this summer on platforms, parking areas, pathways, and track improvements. Once the Northlander passenger rail service is revived, it will operate four to seven days a week, depending on travel demands.
CBC
15-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Alberta premier's husband invited to passenger rail meetings as province mulls expansion
The Alberta government is developing a 30-year plan to bring back passenger rail service to the province. This ambitious undertaking has seen Premier Danielle Smith seeking advice from her husband on the matter. Documents obtained by CBC show that he's been invited to three meetings. Janet French has more.
CBC
14-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Alberta premier's husband invited to passenger rail meetings as province mulls expansion plan
As Alberta's transportation minister prepares to unveil a passenger rail strategy this summer, freedom of information documents obtained by CBC News show that Premier Danielle Smith's husband, David Moretta, was invited to three meetings in 2023 about passenger rail and its potential expansion in the province. Some academics and a former cabinet minister say the invitations to Moretta alongside senior government officials, railway company representatives and lobbyists raise questions about preferential access to people in power and information about government decisions — though one says it does not violate Alberta's conflict of interest rules for a spouse to attend out of interest. Prompted by Smith's interest in rail, the Alberta government is awaiting a consultant's 15-year master plan for introducing passenger trains across the province. Although the plan has not yet been finalized, government officials told attendees of three telephone town halls in late June that building high-speed rail between Edmonton and Calgary, and a high-speed connection between Calgary and Banff will be priorities in a 15-year passenger rail plan. Transportation officials said the projects will cost the government tens of billions of dollars. The longer-term vision also includes commuter rail from Calgary to some bedroom communities and from Edmonton to its airport, along with regional passenger rail to Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, and other mid-size cities. Two of the rail-related meetings Moretta was invited to included information that, if released, could present a financial risk to the province or reveal confidential advice and deliberations by government, according to redactions on the documents released to CBC. "What's he doing there?" said University of Alberta law professor Cameron Hutchison of the invitations. Hutchison, who has taught classes on conflict of interest, and has authored columns on the limits of Alberta's conflict of interest law and whistleblower protections, said it is unusual for a politician's spouse to be invited to a meeting about government business as a passive observer. "He's not part of the government, is not part of any … formal consultation agreement with the government. I just don't see the role being played here." Smith's chief of staff, Sam Blackett, said in May the premier invited Moretta to attend "a few meetings" as a person with "subject matter knowledge" about the public debate on high-speed passenger rail in Alberta. "Premier Danielle Smith and her husband share a long-standing enthusiasm for rail as an efficient form of transportation for goods and people," Blackett said in a May statement after former UCP cabinet minister Peter Guthrie raised concerns in the legislature about Moretta being invited to one of the meetings. "They often discuss different ways expanded passenger rail services could benefit the province." Blackett would not confirm which of the meetings, if any, Moretta attended. Moretta did not respond to a phone call or an email in May requesting answers to questions about his participation in the meetings. In response to a CBC request sent to Moretta in early July, Blackett sent a statement pointing to Moretta's two decades of broadcast news experience, which included coverage of rail. Asked at a June press conference in Calgary about Moretta's participation in meetings, the premier said her husband's advice has been useful. "My husband's an adviser to me, and that's allowed because he's married to me, so I can ask for his advice on anything I choose," Smith said. "And he happens to have 25 years in media, much of it covering issues of rail. And so I asked for his advice as we had a multitude of different projects coming forward to seek guidance on the path forward." Smith said Moretta helped her understand that projects using different types of rail have to be integrated, or it could prevent subsequent stages from proceeding. Project details A consortium called Liricon Plenary has submitted an unsolicited proposal to the Alberta government to operate passenger rail service between Calgary and Banff. Liricon's owners are Adam and Jan Waterous, who own the train station in Banff and the nearby Mount Norquay ski resort. Their proposed Calgary Airport to Banff Rail project would cost an estimated $2.6 billion to build a second rail line from the city to the mountains, and require a deal with corridor owners Canadian Pacific Kansas City railway company. On Sept. 26, 2023, Moretta was invited to a meeting with representatives from the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), documents show. The documents state that the premier's executive director, Rob Anderson, was invited. CPKC spokesperson Patrick Waldron said the premier requested the meeting in Calgary to discuss the province's interest in potential passenger rail service. He said Smith attended the meeting, but would not say if Moretta did as well. CPKC representatives provided an overview of freight railway operations and capacity in Alberta, Waldron said. "There were no negotiations, nor was any confidential or proprietary information discussed," he wrote in a statement. Waldron said no agreement has been struck to build or operate a passenger rail line on CPKC's right of way between Calgary and Banff. Moretta invited to stakeholder meeting Documents show Moretta was invited by email to an Oct. 11, 2023, meeting entitled, "Liricon Capital, Calgary-Banff Rail," where Liricon co-owner Adam Waterous had sent an agenda and briefing notes to attendees. Also invited to the meeting were Anderson and Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen. Dreeshen would not comment to reporters at the legislature in May about the meeting. Blackett said his response for the premier stood for all of the government of Alberta. A partially redacted email from Dreeshen's chief of staff, Josh Bilyk, that accompanies one of the calendar entries for the meeting, says a proposal is attached for consideration. "I had a quick discussion with Rob earlier and he is on the same page as us re: the funding," Bilyk's email says. The unredacted information does not specify what funding is under consideration. Cabinet ministers swear oaths and government employee contracts usually include language attesting that they will keep some information confidential. Blackett would not say if Moretta had signed any undertaking agreeing to keep government business confidential. Waterous said in a May email that the $2.6-billion rail project has been pitched to governments for a decade, and representatives have talked to three premiers, six transportation ministers and numerous government officials about passenger rail. Waterous said he does not remember meeting Moretta. Former minister refused meeting The meetings are one of several ethical concerns raised this spring by former infrastructure minister Pete Guthrie, who is now an independent MLA. Guthrie resigned from cabinet in February over concerns about government contracting and procurement. He was later voted out of caucus by United Conservative members. In May, Guthrie said while he was still in cabinet, he refused to attend one of the rail meetings with the premier's husband, because he had "concerns about the appropriateness" of the meeting. Guthrie said he was invited to a Nov. 8, 2023, meeting with Moretta and Dreeshen. Documents obtained by a freedom of information request show a calendar entry for that date entitled, "Meeting with David Moretta and department," but the rest of the subject is redacted. The document shows who is invited to the meeting, but no information about what it was about. In May, Guthrie tabled an unredacted copy of a calendar entry for the same date and time, labelled "Meeting with David Moretta and department re: 30-year passenger rail." "I didn't think it was appropriate to attend. So, I don't know what took place inside of that meeting," Guthrie told reporters at the legislature in May. Lori Williams, an associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University, said the details of the meeting raise questions about why Moretta would be invited to a meeting where he had access to information that the government deems confidential and proprietary in the freedom of information process. "It just raises lots of questions about whether someone, simply because of their relationship to the premier, has influence that others would not have," she said. Williams said a politician's spouse attending a meeting concerning government business is "not something that is common" in Canadian politics. "It's just not the sort of thing that is typically done," she said. Williams said although politicians may discuss issues with their spouses privately, they must take care in sharing confidential information that is not intended to be public. Premier says husband not a lobbyist Guthrie said during the legislature's question period in May that there are no rules preventing a cabinet minister's spouse from lobbying the government. He asked the premier if Moretta had ever registered as a lobbyist in Alberta. The name Moretta does not appear in the province's lobbyist registry records online. "I've been tired of the rumours and innuendo and slander against my family that I've been hearing about for months," Smith responded. "My husband owns a restaurant. He has never ever been registered as a lobbyist because he has never ever lobbied any government, including ours. And I would ask for the innuendo and the slander to stop here." Blackett said in his statement from the premier's office that Moretta has no connection to any lobbying firm and has never lobbied on behalf of any entity, rail or otherwise. Guthrie said to Smith in the legislature that the meeting invitation "reeks of preferential access and concerns of influence peddling to the premier. Are decisions in your office being made in the public interest or to benefit the well-connected few?" UCP government house leader Joseph Schow replied that it was "absolutely repugnant and disgusting" that Guthrie was using question period to cast aspersions on the premier's husband. Meeting concerns Hutchison, the law professor, said a cabinet member's spouse attending a government meeting out of interest isn't running afoul of conflict of interest law. Hutchison said the premier's explanation that her husband is present because of his subject matter knowledge warrants skepticism.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jim Cramer Says Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies is a 'Really Good Company'
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (NYSE:WAB) is one of the stocks that Jim Cramer shed light on. A caller asked for Cramer's thoughts on the company, and in response, he said, 'You know, believe it or not, I've actually done a lot of work on this one, and it won't quit. Every time I think it'll quit, it won't. It's a really good company.' A high angle shot of a railway construction site, with workers in the frame. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (NYSE:WAB) supplies locomotives, engines, braking systems, and digital solutions for the freight and passenger rail industries. The company also provides maintenance, modernization services, and a wide range of components for railcars, transit vehicles, and related infrastructure. On July 8, BofA analyst Ken Hoexter increased the firm's price target on the stock to $236 from $231 and maintained a Buy rating following the company's acquisition of Frauscher Sensor Technology Group for EUR 675 million. BofA expects the transaction to close in late 2025 and projects an EPS gain of $0.20 in 2026. The firm anticipates that deal synergies will begin to scale in the second and third years. While we acknowledge the potential of WAB as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
