Jake Courtepatte | Special to the 51暗网
VIA Rail employees will remain out of a job until at least March 2, according to a press release from the company that has seen its staff levelled due to ongoing demonstrations.
On Monday, VIA Rail announced that Jasper is part of a larger group that included parts of Alberta and Northern B.C. that will continue to see the service at a standstill, while other Eastern lines, such as those in Toronto and Montreal, will be back on track by
the end of the week.
鈥淲e remain hopeful for an end to the situation as soon as possible and encourage all parties involved to continue their efforts towards a peaceful resolution,鈥� reads the release. 鈥淲e thank our passengers for their continued patience and understanding.鈥�
VIA Rail has seen a public relations disaster since protestors began demonstrating in the form of railway blockades earlier this month.
The nationwide protest is largely in regards to complications between the builders of a natural gas pipeline in B.C. and the interests of the Wet鈥檚uwet鈥檈n聽Nation, though the number of issues related to the protests have expanded.
Close to 1,000 VIA Rail employees across the country have seen their employment temporarily suspended. All employees in Jasper are part of the number.
鈥淭his general interruption is an unprecedented situation in our history. In 42 years of existence, it is the first time that聽VIA聽Rail, a public intercity passenger聽rail聽service, has to interrupt most of its services across the country,鈥� said Cynthia Garneau, President and Chief Executive Officer.
鈥淪ince the beginning of the crisis, we have been closely working with the infrastructure owner in order to formulate a progressive, safe and orderly resumption plan.
"We have done everything to mitigate the impact on our employees and our passengers. At this point, we believe we have made the fairest and most reasonable decision with the proposed temporary suspension plan.
"I would like to thank all our union partners for their collaboration and comprehension.鈥�
According to VIA Rail, 789 trains have been cancelled because of the blockades. More than 138,000 passengers have been affected.聽
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce also released a statement on Monday regarding the possible longtime economic impact of such a halt in transportation.
鈥淐oncerns about the severe economic impacts of infrastructure blockades has galvanized the Canadian business community. Last week nearly 50 of the nation鈥檚 leading business associations signed聽a letter reinforcing the economic impact of the rail disruptions聽and calling for an immediate resumption of services.
"While we are cautiously optimistic about the steps being taken towards restoring service today, significant economic damage has been done and will continue to affect Canadian communities, businesses, workers and their families for weeks to come as supply chains recover.鈥�
