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MP Report

The Bayline and Port of Churchill: An important part of our past, present and future

Northern rail service has been the focus of a great deal of attention in recent weeks and months. Track closures, a brief strike and train delays have created a great deal of frustration for the many Northerners that rely on the rail service on a regular basis. All this comes at a time when it is the 90th anniversary of the Bayline and the Port of Churchill.

Whatever the current frustrations one thing is clear. The Bayline is not only an important part of our history it is a key part of our present and future development in the North.

The roots of the Bayline go back to the 1880s when Prairie farmers sought to build our own rail line and port through Hudson Bay. There were various attempts to begin this construction but it wasn't until shortly before the First World War that construction began.

The process of building the line was a major accomplishment and it came with significant cost. Literally dozens of workers died during the construction.

The line was originally supposed to go to Port Nelson at York Factory but an engineering report after the end of the First World War recommended redirecting the line to Churchill. The Bayline and port finally opened in 1929.

There have been many changes over the years. Along the way we had to constantly fight for Churchill and the Bayline to get the support it deserved. There have always been many vested interests lined up against them but thanks to the work of many Northerners and Northern communities and support of the province and a number of key federal politicians, Churchill and the Bayline have always come out ahead.

Today the Bayline continues to be a critical transportation link. Many remote Bayline communities rely on the rail service as their main transportation link. Churchill and the Bayline continue to be important economically. In fact this year is expected to be a very good year for the port.

The Bayline and the port are also key strategic assets for the future development of the North. The rail line will be a key staging point for future hydro development. The port has huge potential for increased shipping including through the potential opening of the North West passage.

The key is ongoing investment in service and capital along the rail line and port.

As MP for Churchill I have spoken out on the need to upgrade the track and maintain service. I have met with Via Rail, HBR and Northern communities and spoken out publicly on numerous occasions on the need to support this vital service.

We have so much invested in the Bayline and the Port of Churchill. After 90 years it has become a key part of our heritage. If we continue to support the port and the rail line it will be an important part of the future of Northern Manitoba and Canada itself for many years to come.

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