TORONTO - Canada’s rail system is in chaos after railway blockades across the country forced transcontinental Canadian National Rail to shut down its entire Eastern Canada network and Via Rail to cancel passenger trains nationwide.
Our focus is to continue to work with the infrastructure owner, CN, on making sure normal service resumes and we welcome you back on board as quickly as possible once the situation is resolved.– Via Rail’s chief executive and president Cynthia Gameau
Via Rail uses CN’s rail infrastructure.
Hereditary chiefs and their supporters are protesting - by blocking rail lines - a major pipeline project which crosses their territory .
In a statement, CN Rail said, “Unfortunately, service to VIA Rail and Amtrak has been discontinued across Canada. It is unsafe to allow passenger trains to start trips across our network when we have no control over where, when, or how an illegal blockade may occur.
“It would be irresponsible to allow the travelling public to be trapped in a blockade.”
Via Rail’s chief executive and president Cynthia Gameau said the company is hoping for an end to the situation soon, but “it is not in our control”.
“Our focus is to continue to work with the infrastructure owner, CN, on making sure normal service resumes and we welcome you back on board as quickly as possible once the situation is resolved.”
Passengers with bookings will receive automatic refunds.