VIA Rail and the Government of Canada Honour Canadian Forces and Veterans with Free Rail Travel

June 09, 2010

Ottawa, Ontario – Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, is pleased to announce the third year of VIA Rail’s Canadian Forces Family Appreciation fares to celebrate the contributions of Canada’s military personnel and veterans.

Between July 1st and August 14th, 2010, active or retired Canadian Forces personnel and veterans will be entitled to free Economy class rail travel on selected trains across the entire VIA network.  In addition, Canadian Forces personnel and veterans will be eligible for a 25% discount off the best available fares for travel in both Business and Sleeper class.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform,” said Menzies.  “Our ongoing partnership with VIA Rail provides our soldiers and veterans the opportunity to travel our beautiful country to reconnect with their families and loved ones.  I can think of no better way to honour their exemplary service.”

Each active or retired Canadian Forces member may also bring up to five immediate family members with them, at a 25% discount off the best available fare in any class of service.  The Canadian Forces Family Appreciation Fare can also be combined with VIA’s children’s summer travel discounts.

“We at VIA are proud of the selfless contributions made by the members of the Canadian Forces,” said Donald A. Wright, VIA Rail Canada Chairman of the Board.  “For a third consecutive year, we are honoured to recognize these brave men and women for all they have done for our country.  We hope that they will be able to take advantage of this offer and experience everything great our country has to offer aboard the train.” 

Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested an unprecedented $923 million in funding for VIA Rail.  Our Government is undertaking an extensive renewal of VIA’s fleet to improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of Canada’s national passenger rail network.

To learn more about VIA Rail’s Canadian Forces Family Appreciation Fares, please visit www.viarail.ca, or Veterans Affairs Canada at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.