Letter from Minister of Transport regarding the Island Rail Corridor Project

From: Minister of Transport / Ministre des Transports (TC) TC.MinisterofTransport-MinistredesTransports.TC@tc.gc.ca Sent: Monday, January 16, 2023 8:16:25 AM To: Sid Tobias mayortobias@viewroyal.ca Cc: premier@gov.bc.ca premier@gov.bc.ca; Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca Subject: Regarding the Island Rail Corridor Project

January 16, 2023

Your Worship Sid Tobias Mayor Town of View Royal mayortobias@viewroyal.ca

Dear Mayor Tobias:

I am responding to correspondence from your predecessor seeking funding for the Island Rail Corridor Project. I apologize for the delay in replying.

As you may know, the British Columbia Court of Appeals has given the Government of Canada until March 2023 to determine whether the restoration of rail service on the former E&N railway line is in the public interest, and whether it will fund such restoration.

The Government of Canada is actively considering the issues raised in the ruling and is committed to better understanding perspectives across Vancouver Island, including those of First Nations, regional districts, and other levels of government, to inform the path forward.

While my officials will not be leading an engagement process of its own, the Government of Canada’s decision-making will be informed by the ongoing engagement by the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

I appreciated receiving the Town of View Royal’s views on this important matter.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Omar Alghabra, P.C., M.P. Minister of Transport

c.c. The Honourable John Horgan, M.L.A. Premier of British Columbia

The Honourable Rob Fleming, M.L.A. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, British Columbia