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Decentralized Democracy

House Bill

Bill C-236

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 07, 2022
VIA Rail Canada Act
  • This bill, called Bill C-236, is about continuing VIA Rail Canada Inc., a public rail passenger service, under the name VIA Rail Canada. The bill also includes amendments to other Acts that are related to this continuation. The purpose is to establish a legislative framework for VIA Rail Canada to provide safe, efficient, and reliable passenger rail services in Canada. The bill also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and cooperation with other passenger service providers. It outlines the composition and roles of the board of directors and the chief executive officer of the Corporation. The bill also addresses transitional provisions and consequential amendments to other Acts. Overall, the bill aims to ensure the continuation and success of VIA Rail Canada as Canada's national public rail passenger service provider.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of this bill could be as follows: Continuing VIA Rail Canada Inc. under the name VIA Rail Canada and making consequential amendments to other Acts is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures the provision of national public rail passenger services that are safe, adequate, and efficient. By establishing a legislative framework for VIA Rail Canada, the government can ensure that this essential service continues to operate and meet the needs of passengers across the country. Additionally, providing VIA Rail Canada with an effective legislative basis for its operational sustainability and success as Canada's national public rail passenger service provider is crucial. This will enable the corporation to plan and execute strategies for the long-term viability and growth of the rail service, ultimately benefiting Canadian passengers and the economy. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of

SteelmanSpren Against

  • A potential steelman argument opposing this bill could take the form of the following: While the continuation of VIA Rail Canada Inc. under the name VIA Rail Canada may seem like a logical step in maintaining a national public rail passenger service, there are several concerns to consider. Firstly, the reliance on a government-owned and operated corporation may hinder innovation and competition in the rail passenger service sector. By providing an exclusive mandate to VIA Rail, other potential service providers may be discouraged from entering the market, limiting consumer choice and potentially leading to complacency in the quality and efficiency of services. Additionally, the financial burden of maintaining a government-owned corporation falls on taxpayers. With a continually expanding national debt and limited funds available for public services, it may not be cost-effective or sustainable to continue operating VIA Rail as a crown
House First Reading
  • Feb. 7, 2022, 11 a.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read