At the invitation of Xavier-Barsalou-Duval MP, Transport critic for the Bloc Québécois and representative for the riding of Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes—Verchères, Transport Action Canada President Emeritus Harry Gow gave a presentation of the report Une stratégie pour le transport ferroviaire dans le Nord-du Québec to three federal MPs on April 11, 2024 at the House of Commons in Ottawa.
The Northern Quebec report released by Transport Action last year focuses on the improvement of VIA Rail’s remote mandated services to Senneterre and Jonquière. One of the members present was Sylvie Bérubé, who represents the Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou riding, and the MPs were particularly interested in measures to speed up these passenger train services and ensure better the timekeeping.
Following the meeting, the MPs also asked Transport Action about train control technology suitable for remote lines that are currently dark territory, which will be a consideration at Transport Canada continues is consideration of Enhanced Train Control. Both PTC and ERTMS-Regional with communications via low-orbit satellite were presented as options.