[LabComm] CN cutting freight service on Prince George-North Vancouver line, NDP Reveals

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

-- Carole James demands Campbell release sale contract --

VICTORIA -- BC Rail's new owner, CN, is cutting freight service from Prince George to North Vancouver by two thirds, NDP Leader Carole James said today. James released a September 29 letter from CN detailing the service cuts and planned layoffs.

"These cuts to service show once again that Gordon Campbell can't be trusted to look out for the interests of northern BC," said James. "He promised that rail service to the North would improve. He wasn't telling the truth. And, once again, Northern residents are paying a heavy price for his failed privatization schemes."

The letter from CN Corporate Vice President Dave Edison says that CN is cutting freight service from Prince George to North Vancouver from three trains per day to one. It also says 113 jobs will be lost.

"From the start, the Premier has kept northern British Columbians in the dark about this deal," said James. "We all deserve better. British Columbians deserve to see the entire contract with CN, so they can separate the government's spin from reality."

Opposition MLA Jenny Kwan and Joy MacPhail asked the Premier about the CN letter earlier today in the Legislature. They demanded that the government explain these service cuts and release the details of the contract with CN.

"How can you trust a Premier who said rail service would improve for every community on the line, when we now know that's not true," said Kwan. "Northerners have had enough of this government's arrogance and broken promises. It's time Gordon Campbell came clean and admitted this deal is a rip-off for customers, for communities and for the taxpayer."

- 30 -

To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://bcfed.net/pipermail/labcomm/attachments/20041004/5970d2cd/attachment.html>