Trudeau commits to Manitoba rail repair
PM, premier meet to discuss flooded rail line and ongoing health-care negotiations
WINNIPEG— Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday the federal government is willing to use all options to force Denver-based Omnitrax Inc. to repair a flooded-out rail line that has cut off the subarctic community of Churchill, Man.
The remote town’s 900 residents have had to have goods flown in, at much higher cost, since the rail line was severely damaged by high water this spring. The rail line was once federally owned, but was sold to Omnitrax in 1997.
Omnitrax has estimated repairs at $20 million to $60 million and has said it cannot afford the cost. After a half-hour meeting with Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister, Trudeau said the federal government will demand Omnitrax follow through.
“Omintrax has legal obligations to clean up and to repair the tracks. That is something that we are very serious about making sure that Omnitrax lives up to,” Trudeau said.
The prime minister was asked whether the government might sue Omnitrax for breach of contract if the repairs are not made.
“We’re looking at all options as we ensure that contracts and obligations are respected and fulfilled,” he told reporters. “We will be using the tools at our disposal to ensure and stand up for the people of Churchill,” he added when pressed further.
The rail line was the main topic of conversation for Trudeau during his meeting with Pallister. But the two men also discussed areas of disagreement, such as Manitoba’s refusal to sign on to the national health accord that outlines health-care payments to the provinces for the next 10 years.
Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative government is the lone holdout. Other provinces that have signed on since the deal was announced last fall have been given extra money for services such as home care and mental health. Trudeau said he is confident he and Pallister will reach an agreement soon.
“I’m very optimistic we’re going to get to a positive resolution on the health-care issue in short order,” the prime minister said.
Trudeau attended a community event Saturday where he announced $35 million — just under half the total cost — for a horticultural attraction called Canada’s Diversity Gardens at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg.