VIA Rail Canada Inc. is currently in a dispute with Goderich/Exeter Railway Company (Rail America) relating to track usage fees on the North Main Rail Line. That is the rail line that runs from London, through Stratford, Kitchener, Guelph, Georgetown, Brampton into Toronto.

This dispute has resulted in the postponement and possible cancellation of an additional 14 passenger trains a day by VIA Rail and GO Rail Transit. This dispute also threatens the millions of dollars given by the federal government to VIA Rail for infrastructure improvements to the line, including safety-related initiatives and the installation of centralized traffic control systems.

VIA Rail and GO Rail Transit have published in the GO Transit Rail Guelph Environmental Assessment Report July 23rd, 2009, that they have the intent to run a total of 20 passenger trains through Kitchener/Guelph.

The business case for increased passenger rail service along the North Main Line has been well documented in the February 23rd, 2006 Dillon Consulting Report on this subject.

By signing this petition you are saying that you are requesting that the Honourable John Baird resolve the dispute involving VIA Rail Canada Inc. and Goderich Exeter Railway Company so that the infrastructure money allocated to VIA Rail can be spent improving the line and so that additional VIA Rail and GO Rail passenger trains can begin service on the line.