Dear Honourable Chrystia Freeland,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you in your esteemed capacity as the newly appointed Minister of Transportation and Internal Trade of Canada.

Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your new appointment. I am confident that under your leadership, Canada's transportation and trade sectors will flourish and continue to support our nation's growth and prosperity.

I am writing to request your urgent intervention in revitalizing the Vancouver Island Rail Corridor (IRC). This railway has the potential to become a cornerstone of the island's future infrastructure, facilitating seamless movement of freight and passengers from port to port. Its restoration will greatly benefit the residents and businesses of Vancouver Island in several significant ways.

Port to Port Connectivity: The IRC can play a crucial role in linking Port Alberni (West) and the Nanaimo (East) Sea ports and Nanaimo’s Airport, promoting efficient transportation of goods and boosting economic activity. Reviving the railway will enhance port connectivity, making it easier for local businesses to transport goods and materials swiftly and cost-effectively.  It would also provide an all-Canadian Pacific route to Vancouver should the Haro Strait and Boundary Pass experience interruptions from the USA’s recent proclivity to ignore past agreements.

Island Freight Movement: The restoration of the IRC will streamline freight movement across the island, reducing reliance on road transport and alleviating traffic congestion. This freight can be a mix of goods but also construction muck, garbage, etc. This initiative will ensure timely delivery of goods while contributing to reducing carbon emissions, supporting Canada's environmental goals.

Passenger Movement: The IRC has the potential to serve as a vital mode of transportation for island residents, offering a convenient and reliable alternative to road travel. Restoring the railway will provide residents with more travel options, improving their quality of life and fostering greater mobility across Vancouver Island.

2025 studies show that the Corridor would be of great value to Vancouver Island with benefits reaching over to the mainland as well.  Nearly 26,000 people have signed a petition that Mr. Skaalrud sponsored, https://www.change.org/p/restore-and-enhance-vancouver-island-s-railway-corridor-with-a-fund-up-to-1-billion, to raise the visibility and hopefully draw a strong leader with a record of success into the dialog.

This railway was the very symbol of National Unity as it is tied to the creation of British Columbia and sealing the deal for Canada. 14 Indigenous communities along the corridor were impacted by its creations and have been waiting for the Federal Government to come to the table.  In 2023, the Minister of Transportation at the time put British Columbia as the lead negotiator and broke the line in an easy location to bypass.  BC being lead is problematic for reconciliation which is a nation-to-nation discussion.  For this reason, I’m hoping you could also bring the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs of Canada into the conversation.

I urge you to consider the profound impact that the revitalization of the Vancouver Island Railway will have on the island's economy, environment, and residents. Your support in this endeavor will be instrumental in developing this essential infrastructure and ensuring the sustainable future of Vancouver Island.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am hopeful that under your guidance, we will see the successful revitalization of the Vancouver Island Railway.

Yours sincerely,

Warren Skaalrud