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LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendation 1

That the government define and commit to long-term support, not less than 10 years, for passenger rail objectives in Canada, including the route network, level of service and long-term stable funding to allow stakeholders to recapitalize rolling stock and infrastructure and enhance passenger rail services.

Recommendation 2

That the government announce its new long-term policy objectives no later than September 30, 1999.

Recommendation 3

That the government allow for and encourage innovative public and/or private partnerships on segments of the rail network so that all services might be delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

Recommendation 4

That the government commit to stable funding for passenger rail in the amount of $170 million annually, to be reviewed every two years.

Recommendation 5

That the government undertake an immediate review of all services that have been designated remote in order to ascertain which of these are truly remote. Those routes designated as remote must be protected in the public interest and funded through a separate federal allocation

Recommendation 6

That the government ensure that, with regard to competition in the passenger rail sector, no undue hardship be placed on the private passenger rail operator by a passenger rail subsidy, thus ensuring a level playing field.

Recommendation 7

That the government encourage the freight and passenger railways to negotiate reasonable track access agreements within 18 months, ensuring that passenger rail providers can grow their business and deliver cost-effective and efficient services; and

Recommendation 8

That the government make it explicitly clear that, in the event that "good faith" negotiations for infrastructure access are not forthcoming, the access provisions for running rights contained in the Canada Transportation Act will be invoked to ensure fair and reasonable access for passenger rail services to essential rail infrastructure.

Recommendation 9

That the government confer commercial Crown corporation status to VIA Rail to provide greater operational flexibility and access to capital; and

Recommendation 10

Furthermore, the government, through an independent government agency, should, within two years, pilot-test the franchising of selected segments within the VIA Rail system.

Recommendation 11

Given the potential for high-speed rail in the corridor, the government should participate with the governments of Quebec and Ontario in Phase II of the Lynx proposal to a maximum of $25 million over 41 months, with the balance of government funds coming from the provinces of Quebec and Ontario.