Back to back losses of train and bus services demand action from Dexter
HALIFAX, NS - Acadian Lines’ plans to pull off the road for good in November is worrisome news for riders and another blow to Nova Scotia’s troubled economy, says PC leader Jamie Baillie.
“The back to back losses of half our rail service and our entire bus service demands action from the Premier,” said Baillie. "There are days when people won't be able to get back and forth, even between major centres, and that will hurt our economy even more. The Premier must address this troubling trend and stand up for the many Nova Scotians who count on this service.”
Baillie says for the last three years, the NDP have presided over the worst economic performance in Canada. 3,400 full-time jobs have been lost in Nova Scotia at the same time the rest of Canada gained 670,000. Acadian Lines’ 120 jobs can now be added to the list.
With fewer people working, and people feeling the pinch in their pocketbooks, Baillie says it is no wonder that Acadian is having as much trouble as it is.
Baillie says if the Premier acts quickly to create the right business conditions, there may be hope that Acadian Lines, or other carriers, can continue to successfully serve the region. He says the government must meet with existing transportation companies to begin to fill the hole left by the loss of the historic Acadian Lines service.
Baillie spoke out about a recent decision by VIA Rail to reduce passenger service in the Maritimes. He says the government’s transportation strategy must go beyond road building and take into account all forms of transporting passengers.
A PC government will create a province-wide integrated transportation strategy to ensure travelling Nova Scotians and our products are able to access local, national and international systems. A PC government is committed to creating the winning conditions for a stronger economy: balancing the budget, lowering taxes, scrapping the job-killing labour law brought in by the NDP and adopting an energy plan that affordably integrates economic and environmental goals.
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