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The Canadian government recently awarded $2.7 million to Tshiuetin Rail Transportation to fund capital improvements for the Sept-Îles-to-Schefferville, Quebec, passenger-rail service.

The agency will use proceeds to rehabilitate track, replace passenger-car windows, and purchase vehicles and equipment. The money will be provided through Transport Canada’s Regional and Remote Passenger Rail Services Class Contribution Program, which aims to maintain service in communities where passenger rail is the only means of surface transportation.

Tshiuetin Rail Transportation is jointly owned by the communities of Matimekush/Lac John and Takuaikan Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, and the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach. Tshiuetin was 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.

Rail is the only surface transportation mode available in Schefferville and is used by First Nations people to travel to their hunting, fishing and trapping territories.