From Question Period – March 17, 2000:

Mr. Bill Blaikie (Winnipeg-Transcona, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has been quoted as saying that one of his goals has been to prevent the Americanization of Canada. To me this sounds passing strange for someone who allowed a major piece of Canadian infrastructure, the CNR, to go from being wholly owned by the Canadian people to being largely owned by American shareholders.

That being said, we now have another proposal before us which is the proposed merger between the CNR and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads.

I want to ask the Minister of Transport, given the many concerns that have been raised about this, how does the government propose that this issue be dealt with, both in terms of process and in terms of some of the concerns that-

Hon. David M. Collenette (Minister of Transport, Lib.): Mr.

Speaker, I think we should look at this proposed consolidation of the railways as a great opportunity for a great Canadian company.

Obviously there are ramifications to the transportation policy that have to be examined.

I do not think it is particularly wise or acceptable to have Canadians go to Washington for the surface transportation board hearings all the time. I think we have to find some way here in Canada to formalize hearings on the particular merger. Perhaps that is through the standing committee. I will have a chat with my good friend the chairman of the standing committee about that in the next few days.

Mr. Bill Blaikie (Winnipeg-Transcona, NDP): Mr. Speaker, we would certainly welcome an opportunity for the Standing Committee on Transport to hold hearings on this and to hear from Canadians in Canada about the possible ramifications of this merger.

While I am talking about railroads, there was speculation before the budget that there might be more money for VIA. Nothing has come forward so far.

Could the Minister of Transport tell us what the status of the future of VIA is and whether there will be more money going to VIA Rail?

Hon. David M. Collenette (Minister of Transport, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, as you know there has been extensive debate and analysis of all the options on the future of passenger rail transportation.

The standing committee talked about the renaissance of passenger rail. The government is committed to the renaissance of passenger rail. Very shortly I will be making an announcement that will guarantee passenger rail service we can be proud of for future years.