The Pontiac Chamber of Commerce is a network representing the combined interest of approximately 200 businesses based in the MRC de Pontiac. The recent developments in regards to CN Rail are most concerning.
The Pontiac Chamber of Commerce is a network representing the combined interest of approximately 200 businesses based in the MRC de Pontiac. The recent developments in regards to CN Rail are most concerning.
We believe in the right of private business to manage its assets as it sees fit for the purpose of increasing wealth; this is after all the express purpose of owning and operating any business. However I would ask all players involved to consider the following. With the development of a new Industrial Park in the MRC de Pontiac CN Rail potentially stands to make new revenues from this track that will only increase as the success of the industrial park does.
This railway is as much an essential service to the Pontiac as is Police, Fire and Ambulance. It has been recently published and documented that the MRC Pontiac has an average household earning of $18,000 per year and where the will of the people has been united in making a solid effort to bring in new enterprise to this area I believe that we should consider all possibilities before removing something that will likely never come back. The people of the Pontiac will be supported by government in either efforts to be self-sufficient or they will be supported by government through a welfare cheque. This is our harsh but true economic reality. I believe that a viable business plan can be created that will reflect the interest of all involved including CN Rail.
Jean-Claude Rivest, President
Pontiac Chamber of Commerce
