September 30, 2004

Honourable Jean Lapierre

Minister of Transport

House of Commons

Ottawa, ON

K1A 0A6

Dear Minister,

I am writing to protest an apparent injustice in VIA Rail’s new baggage policy. VIA Rail customers who use VIA to travel to and from remote stops in Northwestern Ontario are being discriminated against. They are being asked to pay for all baggage over three pieces while people travelling to and from remote communities in Quebec are still allowed six free pieces of baggage. This looks very much like regional favouritism on the part of VIA.

All attempts by my office to receive an explanation from VIA as to how the Quebec situation differs have been met with the response that the policy in Quebec is for the benefit of “remote” communities. What can be more “remote” than places which, apart from the train, can only be accessed by several miles of boat travel from secondary roads, which is the case with a VIA stop like Ottermere, Ontario for example.

I urge you to see to it that this policy is reviewed and that remote communities, wherever they are in Canada, are treated justly and equally by VIA.

Sincerely,
Original Signed By
Bill Blaikie, MP

Elmwood-Transcona