Government of Canada and VIA Rail Honour Canadian Forces with Reduced Year-Round Fares

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Today, the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Canada’s Minister of State (Transport) and Marc Laliberté, VIA Rail’s President and CEO, announced an unprecedented offer for military personnel, veterans and their families of a 25 per cent discount off the best available fare, all year round. They were joined at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs. 

“Our government is pleased to continue its ongoing partnership with VIA Rail to modernize our rail systems and provide all Canadians with safe and sustainable passenger rail service,” said Minister Merrifield. “With today’s announcement, even more of our Canadian heroes and those who love them will be able to take advantage of this enhanced service.” 

“The Government of Canada is proud to partner with VIA to honor our Canadian Forces and Veterans and their families,” said Minister Mackay. “These reduced fares mean our brave men and women in uniform and their families can travel and enjoy more of the country they serve and defend each day.”
 
“Our Veterans and their families have made great sacrifices so that we can live in a democratic and free country,” said Minister Blackburn “Today, only days before the start of Veterans Week, is a most fitting time to offer them this tangible and important proof of the respect and gratitude we owe them.”

“We are pleased to honour our Forces members by offering this exclusive year-round discount,” said Marc Laliberté. “This underscores the contributions members of Canada’s military and its veterans have made to our country since its earliest days.”
Starting today, this new offer applies to all classes of VIA service, including economy, business and sleeper. The 25 per cent discount off the best available fare has no route or date restrictions. The Forces’ members and veterans who qualify may be accompanied by up to five additional family members. These family members will be eligible for the discount provided they travel on the same trains, dates and in the same classes as the Forces’ members or veterans. Proper identification will be required to be eligible for this offer; some conditions may apply.

About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada’s national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation – in both official languages. Every week, VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network. The demand for VIA services is growing as travelers increasingly turn to train travel as a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible alternative to congested roads and airports.

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