In his State of the Province address on February 12, 2003, British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell comments on the future of BC Rail.  The following is an excerpt of that address.

"Just as our road system is critical to our transportation infrastructure, so is our rail system.  BC Rail is critical to our resource communities and communities throughout British Columbia. 

Over the last 15 years though, British Columbia Rail has been failing.  It's cost you as a taxpayer almost a billion dollars in subsidies.  It's got a dwindling customer base, it doesn't provide the kind of reliable service that's critical, and in fact it's not meeting the needs of our resource communities.  We have to change that.  Some people have suggested we should sell BC Rail.  We simply won't do that. 

Northern mayors have said it's time for a change, it's time for us to come up with some innovative solutions to the challenges that confront BC Rail.  They've told us we shouldn't sell the rail bed and we won't.  They've told us we should keep the tracks and we will.  But they've also told us it's time to look for an investor who will invest in our infrastructure and make sure that we have an operator who can deliver services to the customers that are necessary for our northern communities to thrive.  That's what we intend to do. 

Within the next few weeks, we'll be issuing a request for proposal to do just that.  I am going to be establishing a Mayors Council to provide their input and advice on that request for proposal because we know how important BC Rail is to their future.  This initiative will bring in millions of dollars, it will retire BC Rail's debt and will provide resources to invest in other northern transportation and infrastructure projects across the province.  Just think of what this can mean to the entire northern region of our province.  Let me give you just one example:  the Port of Prince Rupert. 

For too long the Province turned its back on that historic and important northwestern city.  But the Port of Prince Rupert has great economic potential.  As we develop it, it will create new and quicker access from our Asian customers to the North American market place.  The same benefits are available for our resource industries and prairie farmers.  The drive from Prince Rupert to Prince George will become recognized as one of the truly great scenic drives in the world.  And we're going to work to assure that there is daily ferry service between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert to help enhance that reputation."

- BC Premier Gordon Campbell

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