Transport Action has launched a petition to the House of Commons calling on the federal government to fund badly needed improvements to the Newcastle Subdivision, which supports a key portion of the Ocean’s route between Halifax and Montreal.

Did you know?

The Newcastle Subdivision, which covers most of VIA Rail’s Ocean route between Moncton and Campbellton New Brunswick, has seen a steady decline in track quality and maximum speed over the last couple of decades. Track that once supported 60mph operation has been reduced to 30mph – or less! This means that today’s Ocean takes nearly five hours longer to travel from Halifax to Montreal than it did 30 years ago.

Deferred maintenance and a lack of interest from the track owner, CN, even nearly brought about the end of this route and the loss of VIA service to many communities in northern New Brunswick in 2014. Investment from the federal and provincial governments at the time saved the line, but promised track improvements have never materialized.

Instead, in June 2024, VIA was forced to extend the schedule of the Ocean yet again due to even more speed restrictions on this route. Even with this new schedule, trains regularly continue to be late, and intercity bus connections have largely been lost.

What can you do?

Transport Action has launched a petition to the House of Commons calling on the federal government to:

1. Provide immediate funding for the rehabilitation of the Newcastle Subdivision; and

2. Study the viability of purchasing the Newcastle Subdivision so that infrastructure can be used to the fullest extent of public benefit.

This petition has been sponsored by Fredericton MP Jenica Atwin, who will present the petition to the House after it closes.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-5107

UPDATE: We have also added posters that you can share, print, and distribute to encourage others to sign the petition. You can download find both English and French versions in the documents section of our website, here.

Our Goal

The petition is open for signatures until December 18, 2024. Let’s try to get as many signatures as possible, to help send a clear message and require the federal government to respond to this specific issue.

Please sign and share these petitions widely – any resident of Canada can sign.