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WHITBY'S MSDIScC USS VIA., CANADA POST Promise to preserve loalVIA service 13 a.Stevenffon Duba 4rdng MP It.s no exaggeration to say that Canada grew up around its railways. Rail links' were part of' the agreement that led to Confederation in, 1867. * And over the years our railway system ha. been an almost constant source of controversy. Despite its significance as part of our national heritage, rail psngersevie sosldom used by most Canadians today. Arlines re fasr and cheaper for long distance travel, and on shorter trips nçost of us prefer to drive. Thats the root of the current tough. decisions facing the federal government and VIA Rail. VIA was created 12 years ago when the major railways wanted to drop their money-osi paseger trains. It was felt then thatVIU as a sub dizeu roncorporation, could maintain tra<itional passenger service on a near profitable basis. However, as the recent budget demonstrated, these subsidies' have mounted to such an extent that the whole rationale of VIA must now be re-examined. Since its creation VIA Rail ha. received more than $5-billion of taxpayers' money, of which more than $1-billion wient for capital improvements ta equipment and facilities. Despite improved passenger use of some routes, things are not getting better. In 1988, VIA's -revenues increased by $26-illion, but expenses went up $94-niillion! While other Crown agencies have managed ta put themiselves 'on a paying basis since 1984 - Canada Post is a notable example - that appears ta be impossible for VIA in its present form. 1In our own area there', much understandable public concern about the future of VIA service, which many consider* a * ,.much preferrable alternative ta driving . That's particularly true of the Toronta-PeterboroughHavelock dayliner service, probably the most econonically viable of all VIAs trains. This train was cancelled by the previous government as an economy measure, and returned to service after the 1984 election with the understanding that it couldn't be kept if it wasn't used. Anyone who travels on the Toronto-Peterborough- Havelock train knows that most days it virtually is filled to caïpacity. B ack in ýFebruary when the very flrst reports were heard of possible cuts ta VIA, I immediately contacted the federal Mirister of Transport to make sure he understands exactly how heavily used and important this train is ta our area. Since then I have spoken and written ta Mim on several occasions. As well, I have asked VIA's president, who nust make the final decision, for complete statistics on the passenger use, revenue from, and the cost of operating this train. I believe these favorable economic indications should be a factor in his decision about its future. My hope is that the economics of this passenger service on the Toronta-Peterborough-Havelock lime will justify its survival. Certainly I will continue doing everything. I can personally in trying ta preserve it. For further information about this or any other federal matters, contact my constituency office in Oshawa at 571-5430 or (tall.free) Zenith 9-6130. Days -of waste, ineificency numbered By Reno Soetens Ontario riding MP When the Progressive Conservajdve party was given its mandate ta govern in 1984, one of its main objectives was ta, reinstate the ethic of fiscal responsibility ita goverriment agencies. Crown corporations which no longer served a public policy rôie were ta, be privatized, while those that did have a role ta play, were directed ta performn in a business-like fashion. I believe that Canada Post is a good example of our efforts ta promote efficiency ini the operations of goveramnent. In hi. February196 udget, the Minister of Finance called on Canada Post ta produce an operating plan that would eliminate the operating deficit subsidy and improve productivity by the end of the 1987-88 fiscal year. The plan ha. worked. During the 1988-89 fiscal year, Canada Post recorded a modest profit for the first time in thirty years. The days of angry Canadians fingering Canada Post as a classic exaxnple of government waste and inefficiency are numbered. In addition- ta turning a profit, Canada Post ha. aiso become a highly efficient enterprise. An independent accounting firm has produced a national report on its operations, showing highly favorable resuits. Ninety-four per cent of the mai for the saine urban centre was dlivered within Canada Post's two-day commitment.i- Ninety-five per cent of mail delivered between urban centres in different provinces took only four days. These 'figures are indicative of Canada Poat' efforts ta, provide better servie toits customers. At the same tinie, the price for the first class letter delivery ha. risen at a rate less than the consumer price index since 1984, and a two-cent-per-stamp increase scheduled for 1990bas been eut in half. WH1TY MRE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MAX 31, 1989# PAGE 3 When The Stars CorneII Up, Prîces Corne Down! r Reach For r The 'Stars And Save! SUPER * SPECUAL' SUPER * SPECIAL wITH THIIS CM SAVEI1.201 COUPON REGU&q R DIE IPepsi-Cola I Ior 7UP CASE 0F 24-8D mL TINS <UNIT COST B&' PER 1M0 mL> UMM 157 L FR VAUD 0"u June 3rd, 1M pdce wiout coupon MU) _ _S.C. w ASSORTED FLAVOURS Good Humor Ice Cream 2 LITRE CARTON 1.219 WITH COUPONS BELOW SUPER * SPECIAL SUPER * SPECUALj Sun Squeeze Pure Apple Juice 4FLOZ TIN LIMIT: 3 TINS PER FAMILY PURCHASE FOR EVERY $10.00 PU REàULAR, SALT & VINEGAR, RIPPLE A&P Potato Chips 2W0 g BAG LIMIT: 3 BAGS PER FAMILV PURCHASE. 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