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The Canadian government recently announced it will provide up to $12 million to Tshiuetin Rail Transportation to continue passenger-rail service between Sept-Iles and Schefferville, Quebec, until Dec. 30, 2009.

The only surface transportation mode available to Schefferville, rail is used by First Nations members to travel to their hunting, fishing and trapping territories. In 2007, the railway transported 15,000 people.

Tshiuetin became the first First Nations company to own and operate a railway in Canada when it acquired the Menihek subdivision from the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway in December 2005. Since 2004, the government has provided start-up, operating and capital funding for the railway. Funds have been used to recruit and train employees; purchase equipment, vehicles, locomotives and rolling stock; renovate the Schefferville station; construct a locomotive repair shop; create a railway maintenance-of-way camp in Esker, Newfoundland and Labrador; and build passenger shelters in Emeril, Nerfoundland and Labrador.

The funding will be awarded through Transport Canada’s Regional and Remote Passenger Rail Serivces Class Contribution Program.