Dear Editor,
What could Canada do with $90 Billion? Improve the lives of countless more Canadians – graduate MORE doctors, and trades; Get serious about climate change and work HARD(er) to meet net-zero climate action by 2050 (yes, our food production is under duress along with planetary habitability); Provide decent housing to the homeless (estimated 60K nationwide); Tackle overall affordability to live day by day, especially regarding FOOD and HOUSING; Protect our land from foreign acquisition; Educate on upright behaviour for social media use backed by enforcement; Invest in and strengthen digital security for individuals and the nation; Seriously get ready for the next pandemic.
Has thought been given to building a dedicated track for passenger rail beside the existing rail for this proposed corridor. With express and milk run options. At one time, Canada had double-tracked lines before CN pulled one track. Double tracks may be feasible again, recognizing that CN owns the track and Via Rail pays CN to run on it. Perhaps a vastly cheaper and more sensible partnership option?
Canada does not NEED to close a perceived transit gap with other G7 nations for global social status. We simply do not have the population density and tourism to support the capital cost nor the annual operating costs for this high-speed train that will serve very few in reality. Let’s forge our own path by rigorous self-discipline to serve Canadian needs, not political posturing.
The cost to rural and agriculture communities goes far beyond a buy-out of expropriated land and let’s not saddle the next generations with untold debt.
Ida Everest
