Peggy tables motion in the House calling for clean trains

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NDP MOTION CALLS FOR CLEAN, ELECTRIC TRAINS FOR TORONTO

Pearson-Union Air Rail Link should be electric, not ‘dirty diesel’: Nash 

TORONTO - NDP MP Peggy Nash (Parkdale—High Park) has introduced a motion in the House calling on the government to support clean and efficient electric trains between Toronto’s Pearson Airport and Union Station.

Nash’s motion encourages the federal government to urge the province and Metrolinx to alter current plans that would see high-polluting diesel trains installed along the route in time for the Pan Am Games in 2015, followed by a possible shift to electric trains by 2017.

“As Toronto develops its transit systems, it is important that we do so in an environmentally and economically sustainable way,” said Nash.  “We need to make the right choice the first time around and use electric rail. It doesn’t make sense to rush in diesel trains now and switch to electric later.”

Fellow Toronto MPs  Andrew Cash (Davenport) and Mike Sullivan (York South—Weston) also spoke in favour of the motion.

“It’s time for the government to recognize the health and environmental problems with diesel trains,” said Cash.  “By using electric rail, we can provide our young people with cleaner air and reduce the occurrence of illnesses associated with high traffic diesel rail lines.”

Sullivan added that “with more than 25 000 children living close to these rail lines, it is imperative that we consider the long-term health implications and get this done properly the first time.”

In Toronto and across Canada, New Democrats are leading the charge to fund clean, efficient solutions to Canada’s urban transit crisis. Transport Critic Olivia Chow’s bill for a National Transit Strategy is a critical first step in bringing Canadian transit up to speed with other G8 countries.

“This bill is endorsed by transit experts and it’s something Canadian commuters desperately need. Now, it’s time for the government to get on board and show some leadership,” said Chow.

“It is the responsibility of all politicians to stand up for a transit system that works for the people of our cities,” concluded Nash.

LEARN MORE

Nash wants feds on board for electrification of Air-Rail Link, InsideToronto.com, 1 May 2012

Read the motion here! (scroll down to Private Members' Notices of Motions) 

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