Canadian Forces personnel and veterans will be able to get free, unlimited rail travel during the month of July through VIA Rail Canada’s 2009 Canadian Forces Appreciation Fares program, says Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown.

In addition to the unlimited travel, Canadian Forces members can also bring up to five family members traveling with them at 50 per cent off of the regular applicable fare. Those eligible include all current and retired members of the Canadian Forces, Reserve Personnel, Department of National Defence employees, and Public Fund employees.

“VIA Rail and our government are proud to pay tribute and say thank you to those who are and were involved in the defence of our great country,” said Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs at a recent unveiling of the program in Ottawa. “We are proud to be offering our servicemen and women – past and present – with the chance to see more of the great country they helped build.”

“The success of last year’s program exceeded our expectations,” said VIA Rail’s President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Côté.  “VIA is proud to recognize the contribution and sacrifices made by the men and women of the Canadian Forces.  This special program offers an experience of our country that only the train can provide.”

“I urge all our local veterans and current members of the Canadian Forces to take advantage of this program,” said Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown. “I can’t think of a better way to thank the brave men and women for keeping this great nation free, than to offer them the opportunity to see it.” Ms. Brown adds that details about the Canadian Forces Appreciation Fares program have been sent to local veterans and seniors groups and urges anyone wishing a copy of the package to contact her office.

In 2008, some 60,000 current or retired Canadian Forces personnel took advantage of VIA’s initiative to honour them with a special fare. 

Reservations must be made and tickets picked up before June 15.  The free travelling period runs from July 1 to July 31, 2009. The special offer must be booked with a VIA agent, either by phone or at a station.

For more information and to reserve tickets, call VIA’s special toll-free number 1 800 661-6791 (or 1 800 268-9503 for the hearing impaired), or visit  www.viarail.ca/forces.